Princeton’s impressive performance in college soccer is worth highlighting. The team is set to compete in the NCAA quarterfinals, continuing their strong form from previous games. Here’s a closer look at some key aspects of their journey.
Recent Matchups
This season, Princeton faced five of the seven teams still in the tournament, achieving a balanced record of 3-3. The victories came against Harvard (in the Ivy tournament final), UConn, and Northwestern. They did stumble against Harvard in the regular season, as well as North Carolina and Syracuse, their upcoming opponent.
Player Spotlight: Pru Lindsey
Pru Lindsey has emerged as a standout player. She’s been on fire lately, scoring in 11 consecutive games, with six goals and ten assists during this stretch. It’s interesting to note that she didn’t score any points at the beginning of the season but has since become a crucial player, reminiscent of Beth Yeager’s 15-game streak last year.
Playoff Path
Winning the game against Syracuse means advancing to face either Harvard or UConn in the national semifinals. On the other side of the tournament, UNC will meet Duke, and Northwestern will take on Miami, shaping up an exciting playoff scenario.
Offensive Firepower
Princeton has scored a total of 51 goals this season. Their scoring was uneven at first, with only 12 goals in the first seven games, but they found their rhythm, netting 39 goals in the last 12 matches. Remarkably, a significant number of these goals have come from younger players, with 27 goals from freshmen and sophomores.
Recognizing Talent
This season, six players have earned Ivy League Player of the Week honors. Olivia Caponiti and Beth Yeager showed consistent excellence, each winning the award twice. Caponiti also snagged a national award for her defensive skills, highlighting the team’s overall talent.
Team Composition
An interesting fact about Princeton’s lineup is that they rely heavily on youth, with only one senior starting. The majority of their key players are freshmen and sophomores, showcasing a bright future for the team.
Historical Context
Looking back, Princeton’s recent track record is impressive. Since the beginning of the 2024 season, they’ve recorded a remarkable 30 wins against just nine losses. This includes an Ivy League championship, an Ivy League tournament title, and two NCAA quarterfinal appearances. Their last 12 games have seen them undefeated, a striking contrast to their earlier struggles.
Rivalry with Syracuse
Princeton and Syracuse have a historical rivalry, having met 27 times. Syracuse currently holds a narrow edge with 14 wins, and they won the last four encounters, including a critical match in the 2022 NCAA tournament where they triumphed 5-2.
Overall, Princeton isn’t just playing well; they’re building something special with young talent and a winning mindset. As they head into the semifinals, all eyes will be on them to see if they can maintain their momentum.
