The men's soccer team may have been honoring its seniors Tuesday, but it was a freshman who stole the show.
First-year Naji Muakkassa notched his first collegiate goal in the 34th minute, as senior Kevin Anglin found the cutting rookie, who buried the ball in the back of the net. It was all the offense the Jumbos needed to secure a 1-0 win over New England College on Senior Night. The victory improved Tufts to 5-7-1 on the season.
Prior to the game, coach Ralph Ferrigno recognized each of his eight seniors for the their contributions over the last four years before they all turned in solid performances in the 1-0 win.
"Tonight was special," Anglin said. "We know we won't have a home game in the playoffs. It was nice to say goodbye."
The Jumbos wasted little time in pressuring the Pilgrims' defense. Freshman Alex Lach came off the bench early in the first and struck a hard ball off the post that deflected to sophomore Dan Schoening, who shot the ball just over the crossbar.
Tufts didn't play its best soccer of the year, but was solid on defense, allowing just eight total shots and two shots on goal. The lone first-half goal would prove to be enough, as Tufts held off the Pilgrims 1-0 for its fifth win of the season.
"[The defense] starts with our two center backs," Anglin said. "[Senior tri-captain] Alex Bedig organizes us, and he played fantastically."
"They've been playing solid all year," sophomore goalkeeper Pat Tonelli said of the backfield. "They all played really well and came up big when they had to, clearing the ball out in dangerous situations."
Both NEC shots came in the second half and both were stopped by Tonelli, who filled in for junior David McKeon in goal. McKeon took a severe blow to the head against Williams on Saturday, and while the Jumbos hope to have him back for the playoffs, no timetable is currently set for his return.
"It's tough when you lose a starting goalie, because one of the main things about soccer is consistency," Tonelli said. "It was nice to come in there and get the job done."
Tonelli, appearing in just his third game of the season, had more goals allowed (three) than saves (two) going into Tuesday night. He came up big against the Pilgrims, however, recording two saves and earning the shutout win. All five Jumbo wins this season have been shutouts.
"He's been really positive all season on the bench waiting for the chance to get to play," Anglin said. "He really stepped up tonight and made some big saves."
The win handed the Jumbos some much-needed momentum heading into Saturday's season finale against Conn. College. While the Jumbos will most likely be playing for positioning in the NESCAC Tournament, the match may be a must-win, depending on other results around the league.
"Obviously any win sets the tone for the weekend," Schoening said. "We could've scored some more goals, but we'll head into the weekend feeling pretty good."
Judging by the team's strong performance Tuesday night, Tufts seems to be in good shape Saturday's game. The Jumbos have been playing their best soccer recently, with three wins in their last four games.
And while Conn. College is one of just two teams in the NESCAC without a conference win, the players know that there's no sure thing in NESCAC soccer.
"We wanted to not only get a win but show some positive signs going forward into the weekend," Anglin said. "We could've had a better performance, but a win gives us momentum for the weekend."
