Saturday afternoon Northeastern faced off against Brown University in the Huskies’ final divisional game of the season. With the divisional title and regional qualifications on the line, Northeastern was prepared for a showdown. In what many are calling the game of the century, Northeastern was able to secure their spot in regionals and among the greatest teams to ever come out of the Northeast.
The Huskies got off to a hot start, with Dan Ryvkin shooting the ball directly from the kickoff and going bar-down from midfield. Minutes later, Ben Jacobson took a slicing dribble in from the right side, cut back, and played a rabona cross to the back post, awaiting a tap-in goal from Ty Benjaafar. Northeastern would continue to dominate throughout the first half as Dan Mattar could be heard shouting from the sidelines “The dogs are eating!” Ethan Cukaj would make an impact in the game, continually performing roulette spins on the Brown defenders, leaving one with a terrible case of the spins and seeking medical attention (but we are told he is in stable condition).
As the second half began, Northeastern kept their momentum rolling. In a stunning turn of events, goalkeeper Lucas Espada went on a dribble quest, going box to box, before dishing a superb layoff to Jon Piesik, who nutmegged the keeper and then slammed the ball home. Piesik would just be getting started on his campaign to 6.5 goals on the night (including 1 own goal). To put a cap on the performance, Northeastern winger Landon Neal made a run with the ball down the right side, swinging a curling cross into the opposite corner of the box. Outside back Jordan Lian made a run forward, awaiting the cross. Lian absolutely got on his bike, climbing into the air and performing an exquisite bicycle kick, connecting with the cross and sending it into the upper 90.
After the stunning victory, Northeastern secured their spot in the regional tournament. In other news, Northeastern fans and players eagerly await an appearance from the team’s new coach this evening.