With spring break over, all that remains for the soccer team is their annual May tournament in Albany, NY. While most Co-curriculars have finished up for the year and students are enjoying fun in the sun around campus, the soccer team remains dialed in for the remainder of their season. Despite how it may seem, this tournament isn’t just a farewell send-off for the seniors; it remains a very important opportunity for underclassmen to be seen by college coaches, which is why motivation is so high going into it. This year’s competition is expected to be even more difficult than last year’s tournament, with teams such as Boston Bolts, Woodstock Academy, and South Kent headlining the groups.
Last year, the U17s made quick work of their opponents in the group stage, then faced a difficult final, which they won 3-2 to take the cup home. It was a fitting way for them to end the year, and Hamish Riddle ’26 was able to add a college commitment to the title that weekend as the Bucknell Coaches were thoroughly impressed with his performance. The U19s, however, were left with a much more bitter taste in their mouths. Despite running through the group stage without conceding a goal and scoring 12 goals in three matches, they ended up falling short to South Kent in the finals on a penalty shootout, sending all the seniors home regretting how their Northwood careers ended.
The starting 11 before last year’s final game. Photo: Northwood Soccer.
This year, the U17s hope to repeat the success they had at this time last year to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance in the Jefferson Cup. At the same time, the U19s look to continue their momentum from the Jefferson cup and finish the year the right way, sending the seniors home on a high.
Now, while the sun has been shining in Lake Placid and the morale is high, all the players know that this is one of the best opportunities of the year to get scouted, going into the summer when colleges won’t see them. It’s of the utmost importance for Northwood players to build interest going into the summer so they can foster relationships with these coaches and be in a good spot when they return for next fall. With players going home to various countries and states all over the world, it’s nearly impossible for coaches to scout them over the summer. Hence, they need to be interested enough to remain in touch until those opportunities resume in September.
After a successful weekend of training, with morale high and intensity even higher, both teams seem geared up and ready to go for their final ride together. Their minds are sharp, and their bodies are well-rested, meaning it should be a fun weekend with lots of excitement and emotion, as seniors say goodbye to the program that made them. “It’s going to be tough, you know. This program has been my whole life for the last 3 years, and realizing that’s coming to an end has been a tough pill to swallow. That being said, we are going to give everything we’ve got to go out with a bang; it’s the only way we see fit.” Said senior captain Tziyon Morris when asked about the mixed feelings heading into this tournament. It’s the end of an Era for Northwood Soccer, and we are hoping the Huskies can send this era off in a blaze of glory as it deserves.