The Suffolk University women’s soccer team lost a hard-fought battle to Gordon College Oct. 21, losing 1-0.
It was the team’s senior night and the six seniors were awarded before the game began at noon. Despite the pouring rain that lasted throughout the game, the team fought hard and kept up the energy.
The team lost to Gordon 4-2 last season, so even though the team was unsuccessful in securing the win, this game was an improvement. Head coach Ellie McDougall spoke to the game, saying how it was a good test for the team.
“Any team we play in the CCC is going to be a battle. We had the chance to run a play at some times, I think it’s promising because that’s a good team,” said McDougall.
McDougall also spoke about the pressure the team put on Gordon during the end of the second half and how that was something that was important to the outcome of the game.
“Everybody was fighting and pressing higher off the goal, which is what we asked them to do at halftime,” said McDougall. “We adjusted well with that.”
The team is nearing the end of their season, with their last regular season game being Oct. 24 against Roger Williams University. Captain Grace Owens said a loss this close to the start of the playoffs was disappointing, but the team is far from giving up.
“I think we battled for a full 90 minutes but we couldn’t get the result we wanted. We’re keeping our heads high and focusing for our final regular season game and playoffs,” Owens said.
While there were no goal scorers for Suffolk, there were a few standout players who helped fight for the ball throughout the match.
“The effort, energy and passion [were] just seeping out onto the field. Avery Porter made key defensive stops for us and Camille Morin-Trotta and Mckenna Columbus were powerhouses in the midfield, their energy and willingness to fight for the ball was astounding,” said Owens.
When asked if there were any players who especially made an impact on the game, McDougall said everyone fought really hard, and that they competed for the full 90 minutes, which is what they talk about every day.
“Camille Morin-Trotta especially, she gave us really big energy,” said McDougall.
Morin-Trotta is a freshman midfielder. When talking about her performance, she said she constantly felt challenged by Gordon’s skills.
“I focused on adapting to their abilities, maintaining composure and giving my best effort to contribute to my team,” said Morin-Trotta.
In regards to the game in general, she said the team’s performance was characterized by hard work.
“While there were moments that could use improvement, nothing stands in our way moving forward,” said Morin-Trotta.
Suffolk played their regular season finale Oct. 24 against Roger Williams, losing 2-0. The Rams await their first round opponent in the Commonwealth Coast Conference playoffs. The game will be played Oct. 28.
