Tufts Tames Mules in 2-0 Shutout Win

WATERVILLE, ME (September 13, 2025) - The Tufts University women's soccer team made the trip up north for their first road game within the New England Small College Athletic Conference against the Colby College Mules on Serdjian Field in Maine on Saturday afternoon.

The Jumbos (3-0-0, 2-0-0 NESCAC) started the match with great tempo and sharp passing, but the Mules (2-1-1, 1-1-0 NESCAC) were quick in their own right. The home side was able to put pressure on the Tufts defense early on, but the Jumbos were up to the task. The visiting side was able to establish their hold over the game through their dominant midfield play. 

Tufts methodically worked their way up the pitch on several occasions, but the final chance eluded them due to bullish last-second defense by the Mules. In fact, the Mules quick transition attack would generate the first threatening chance of the game, when a shot by Colby's Avery Barton was tipped squarely off the crossbar by senior goalkeeper Gigi Edwards.

The Jumbos would strike the bar themselves moments later, but thankfully for the side that was far from home, they would score first soon after. A corner kick taken by sophomore Maren Jones was delivered right into the mass of players in the middle of the penalty area which was knocked around by senior Reese Birch and finished by the head of senior defender Lena Sugrue for her third of the season and Tufts' first of the game.

The scoreline held through the first half, with Edwards making six saves on six shots on goal to preserve the scoreless frame. 

Out of the break, the Jumbos resumed their clean and quick style of play. It took only two minutes for them to find their insurance goal as senior midfielder Caroline Kelly worked the ball into a wide open and goal-hungry senior forward Elsi Aires. Aires finished the chance swiftly and surely, burying the ball behind opposing goalkeeper MK Marshall for her third goal of the season and a 2-0 lead for her side.

From there the Jumbos were more than happy to slow their tempo and allow the Mules to attack them. Their bend-don't-break mentality was a perfect recipe for a Colby side reinforced by fresh legs off the bench. Edwards would wind up making nine saves across the contest to earn her second clean sheet of the season. 

The whistle sounded and the Jumbos had handed the Colby College Mules their first loss of the season. Their second NESCAC win of the campaign saw two Tufts players score their third goal of the season and marked 12 games unbeaten by the Mules.

The Jumbos will continue their road trip with a match at Gordon College this coming Tuesday at 7:00 pm.