BROOKLINE — Northeastern kicked off its preseason slate against the UMass Lowell River Hawks on Friday, losing 3-0 in an exhibition match that was a preview for what’s to come for the new-look Huskies team.
With eleven graduating seniors in a tough 2024 season, head coach Ashley Phillips and her staff signed nine new recruits and transfers, with big shoes to fill, as the top three goal-scorers from 2024 — Jessie Hunt, Avery LeVangie, and Sofie Fox — had all graduated.
The River Hawks struck early, with Nina Hertz-Saebbö scoring in the first minute of the match on a through ball.
Northeastern quickly got back in the action, with two good looks on goal in the following ten minutes, but was unable to find the net. Although possessions were about even, the River Hawks had the better looks as the Huskies’ offense fell stagnant and struggled to get competitive shots on goal. Lowell’s defense stood strong, and Northeastern was unable to threaten and catch them off guard.
The second half was more of the same as the River Hawks scored two more goals. Lowell sophomore Gaby Eckroth scored in the 49th minute on a beautiful cross from Hertz-Saebbö. Hertz-Saebbö later scored again in the 67th minute on a rebound from a previous shot off the post. When the game was over, she had two goals and one assist to her name.
Overall, the Huskies’ offensive opportunities were no problem for the Lowell defense, only getting four shots on goal compared to the River Hawks’ seven.
So what was the reason for this? Ball movement. The Northeastern offense was unable to expand its wings and switch the field laterally, stifling their abilities to create more opportunities by finding open players. Any Northeastern shot on net was saved easily with two hands by UMass Lowell goalie Mia Robinson.
Although it’s just the preseason, this game proved telling to fans as they continue to get to know who will step into larger roles on the team. Notably, senior midfielder Ava Nace dominated the midfield, playing central defensive midfielder, with great link-up play from the defenders to forwards, and creating opportunities for her teammates to bring the ball upfield. Her dribbling skills are something worth keeping an eye on this season and will likely be a strength of this Huskies squad in the regular season.
In addition, many of the newest Huskies saw action, including graduate student transfer Bridget Gleason and freshman Ava Gialanella, who both got plenty of touches during the game. Playing left wing, Gleason took four shots, with two of them on net. Gialanella played center back and showed great vision to get the ball up to senior midfielders Nace and Lauren Dupont.
Senior striker Lauren Ahles is set to be at the forefront of the forwards this season. She played well in the first half against Lowell before she was subbed out, pressing the defense and causing turnovers in the River Hawks’ defensive end. She looks to bounce back from a difficult 2024 season with only one goal compared to five goals and one assist in the previous season.
Preseason is a time of understanding players and strategy in in-game situations, and this will be no different for the new-look Huskies as the season opener fast approaches August 14. Phillips and her staff will continue to make the necessary adjustments in their next preseason game against the Maine Black Bears on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Parsons Field.
Daniel Ku is a third-year at Northeastern, covering Huskies sports since 2024.