On a miserable Saturday afternoon, Westfield geared up to take on a tough Princeton team. Coming into this game they knew they had a tall task in front of them to take down last year’s group champs. “We kind of knew their style, their shape, and their organization,” said head coach Eric Shaw.
Westfield got off to a fast start getting some quick fast break opportunities that were ultimately stopped by the Princeton defense. The Princeton defense proved a problem for the Blue Devils as they tried to get their offense rolling. “We need better movement in the box,” junior Sam Judka said. “We did well today as a team but it’s just got to be better to get us across the line.”
Princeton was persistent with many shots early in the game and was even able to head one in only eight minutes into the first half. Being down 1-0, Westfield’s defense had to stand tall and stop Princeton’s relentless attack so the offense could do their part. “Everyone was willing to fight for the team, everyone was just giving it everything,” said senior Austin Williams.
Still trailing 1-0, Westfield was able to get a chance to tie it up with a penalty kick. The kick was given to Judka. “My captain gave me the confidence to take it and put it in the back of the net.” Judka didn’t let his teammates down and brought the game to a 1-1 tie going into the second half.
Coming into the second half, it was clear that the Blue Devils turned up the offensive intensity. After many unsuccessful attempts, senior Henry Iannuzzi scored to go up 2-1 with 16:43 remaining. Both teams leaned back on their defenses as it was hard for either team to get something going offensively.
Shaw thought his team needed “a bit more composure” in some of the scoring opportunities where most were ending with a turnover or a whistle from the referee.
Princeton was finally able to break the Westfield defense and get their first goal since 32:00 in the first half. The game was tied at 2-2 with 3:20 left, neither was able to take a lead before being sent to extra time.
Extra time was no different, both teams struggled to convert and the game would eventually end up finishing in a 2-2 tie. Between rough weather and an admirable opponent, the Blue Devils were not satisfied with their performance however it is nothing to sob about. They hope to return to the win column against Arthur L Johnson at 4 pm on Monday
