Box Score MEDFORD - The #17-ranked Tufts University women's soccer team began their 2021 season in a revenge game against #12 Williams College, who defeated them in the Jumbos' last competition way back in 2019 during the NCAA Tournament. The Jumbos prevailed in a 1-0 final this afternoon at Bello Field on a goal by Liz Reed (pictured).
After a moment of silence for those who lost their lives 20 years ago today, the two sides began a relentless battle up and down the pitch. The Jumbos were comfortable with the fast-pace, back-and-forth play earning themselves a corner and their fair share of shots to open the match. The turning point in the first half came 25 minutes in with Tufts' first substitute Claire Wilkinson, who immediately took control of the attacking half facilitating play nicely. Within two minutes of coming into the game, Maddie Pero passed a perfectly weighted through ball by the defense to Wilkinson who ripped a shot barely stopped by Williams' charging keeper Chelsea Taylor for her second of four saves throughout the day.
At the 33-minute mark, Tufts was able to land the first blow as Wilkinson took the ball down the left sideline before crossing it into the middle where Reed waited taking full advantage of her opportunity burying the Jumbos' first goal of the season.
The remainder of the first half consisted of defenses stepping up to ensure the score remained 1-0.
Senior central defender Tookie Wilson for the Jumbos excelled in the second half as both sides pushed to create opportunities winning a couple corners respectively. Through all of this, Wilson stayed calm, cool, and collected in the back helping position the defense and communicating around the field holding the opposing Ephs to zero shots on goal in the entire half.
Williams learned from the first half mistake clamping up on defense as well holding Tufts' Margaux Ameer, who would record three shots in the match, to the Jumbos' only effort on goal in half number two.
After some gritty play and a final effort by Williams winning a corner in the 86th minute, and a shot moments later by Victoria Laino just sailing high, the Jumbos officially closed out an outstanding opener with a huge conference win over the Ephs.
Although junior goalie Hayley Bernstein only tallied one save on the day, it came in her first clean sheet of the season. All 19 players to touch the pitch today for the Jumbos looked stellar helping towards the strong result. Tufts had advantages of 13-5 in shots and 5-2 in corners.
The Jumbos (1-0) aim to back up this performance on Wednesday at Clark before returning home for a game a week from today against New England College. Williams (0-1-1) plays at Castleton tomorrow.
