WILLIAMSTOWN, MA (September 7, 2024) - The Tufts University women's soccer team fought valiantly but ultimately fell by a score of 2-1 to the Williams Ephs in Williamstown at Cole Field on Saturday afternoon.
The Jumbos (1-1) started evenly with the Ephs (1-0-1), going punch for punch on offense through the opening minutes of the match. As Williams settled in, the Jumbos defense was put to the test.Â
Sophomore goalkeeper
Gigi Edwards anchored the defense, making three key saves on the first three shots she faced. Williams would manage to find the back of the net with less than five minutes in the first half.Â
Despite the late score in the first half, the Jumbos opened the second half with energy and pace. A few corner kicks from Williams put pressure on the Jumbos' defense, but once again Edwards was strong between the posts. The Sophomore keeper would make a total of three saves in the second half.Â
Junior
Elsi Aires continued her reign of terror on opposing defenses, as she worked her way in behind the Eph's back line and scored her second goal of the season. Her equalizing effort stretched her goal scoring streak to seven games, going back to last season.Â
The score now knotted at one goal apiece saw the Jumbos push harder on offense, but it simply wasn't enough to break down the Williams defense. A corner kick with 10 minutes to go was the best chance Tufts had for the remainder of the game.Â
The Eph's would have a chance of their own on a free kick at about midfield. The ball was delivered into the box well, bounced around as neither team could settle it, and was ultimately found by Williams midfielder Tori Huang, who put it into the back of the net. The goal was scored with a mere four minutes to play.
The Jumbos did everything they could in those final four minutes, but the Ephs defense held fast. The final whistle sounded and Williams would come away from the 90 minute affair as the winner.
The Jumbos return to Bello Field on Saturday, September 14 for a matchup against Colby College.
--JUMBOS--
