Dogs Fall Short in a Heartbreaking Loss at Parsons
Monday October 31, 2005
By Ross Shepard
For the second time this season, the Maddogs faced off against rival Dartmouth College at Parsons Field. Once again the teams matched up well, but the rematch had a similar result, with Northeastern coming up on the short end of a 9-8 tally.
With a layer of snow covering the surface at Parsons, it was evident that this was to be a defensive battle. The game was tight from beginning to end.
Dartmouth got on the board first, converting a penalty kick five minutes in. The snow turned to sleet partway through the match, preventing either side from gaining a true advantage in the early going. But the Maddogs were able to tie it up with their own penalty kick as halftime approached.
The fight for possession continued, and Dartmouth was able to post another penalty kick just before the break. The score was 6-3 in Dartmouth's favor as time ran out on the first half.
After warming up quickly in the Parsons Field clubhouse, the Dogs came out with defense on their minds in the second half. Both teams jockeyed for field position by putting the ball in the air, with the Maddogs forcing their way into opposing territory due to a few dropped balls by the Dartmouth backs.
After a penalty deep in Dartmouth territory, the Maddogs elected to scrum from five meters out. An 8-man pick to the weak side got the Dogs into the try zone, making the score 8-6.
With only a few minutes left, Dartmouth was pressing Northeastern deep in their own territory. A questionable offside call went against the Maddogs, and Dartmouth capitalized by splitting the uprights with a penalty kick, going ahead 9-8.
Northeastern got the ball back with 2:44 left in the game and managed to get a penalty outside the Dartmouth 22 meter line. The ensuing penalty kick fell short as time expired, and Dartmouth had once again stolen a victory from the Maddogs.
This Saturday, the Maddogs will head to Buffalo, NY to face the University at Buffalo Mad Turtles. The UB side became New York State Champions after Saturday's win over Cornell. In their last match up at the Beast of the East in the spring, the Maddogs defeated the Buffalo club.
Alumni, parents, and fans are urged to make the road trip to Western New York. Directions can be found here.