Jumbos Shut Out Polar Bears for 12th Win of the Season

BRUNSWICK, ME (October 29, 2024) - The number eight ranked Tufts University women's soccer team shut out the Bowdoin College Polar Bears 2-0 in their final New England Small College Athletic Conference regular season game of the 2024 campaign at Boucher Field in Brunswick, Maine on Tuesday evening.

The Jumbos (12-2-1, 7-2-1 NESCAC) started off with a stranglehold over possession. The Polar Bears (2-7-6, 1-7-2 NESCAC) were almost entirely confined to their own side of the pitch by relentless play from the Tufts midfield. The Polar Bears would not even attempt a shot until the 32nd minute. The Jumbos, meanwhile, attempted eight shots in the opening frame, directing half of them onto the frame of the goal.

The Jumbos were looking strong on offense, and it didn't take long for their advantage to appear on the scoresheet. Junior forward and scorer-extraordinaire Elsi Aires was the one to start the scoring. After a few wayward efforts by her team, Aires would score her team-leading ninth goal thanks to help from sophomore midfielder Emily Nicholas. Aires would be involved in her 13th goal of the season, and Nicholas picked up her fourth assist and eighth scoring contribution. 

The Jumbos entered halftime leading by a goal, and started the second half by immediately doubling their lead. Graduate student Nicola Sommers scored her seventh goal of the season just 45 seconds into the second frame. Aires picked up the assist for her 14th goal contribution this season, and the Jumbos now led 2-0.

Defensively, the Jumbos limited the Polar Bears to only five shots. Sophomore goalkeeper Gigi Edwards was called upon only three times, making all three stops with ease. The Jumbos would total 12 shots on goal, forcing nine saves from the opposing goalkeeper, and striking the crossbar once. 

The 2-0 win secured the second seed going into the NESCAC playoffs, and earned their best overall record since the 2019 season. Their 47th and 48th goals of the season makes the 2024 team the highest-scoring team in program history.

The Jumbos will host a NESCAC quarterfinal game on Saturday at Bello Field, kickoff time to be determined.