With 45 seconds remaining in regulation against Providence (7-4-0, 0-1-0 Big East), it appeared the Georgetown soccer team (6-4-0, 1-0-0 Big East) had let another one slip away. Friars senior forward Catherine Zimmermann had just tied the match, a seemingly crushing development in a match controlled on both sides by the Hoyas.
“That’s deflating to the girls, because when you’re that close to a win, it’s always deflating to give up a goal,” said Georgetown Head Coach Dave Nolan. “But I told them before the overtime, ‘Listen, we just need to go win this game again.’ In the overtime, we were the only team that had a chance.”
Sophomore forward Rachel Corboz led the Hoyas with two goals, scoring in the 12th minute off a corner kick and again in overtime from a free-kick. Georgetown improved to 6-4-0 overall and 1-0-0 in the Big East, while the Friars fell to 7-4-0 overall and 0-1-0 in the conference. Nolan and Corboz both spoke of the heightened importance of this match as a the kickoff to a gruelling stretch also known as Big East play.
“When you get into conference games, there’s so much more on the line,” Nolan said. “There’s the three points at stake, and also the head-to-head factor, which means each game is essentially worth four points. There was definitely more focus and anticipation from the players.”
Corboz brought up a level of urgency in the team’s play, something that had been missing in some performances this season. However, she acknowledged that the team’s preparation going into the next game would have been steadfast regardless of any result.
“We all knew it was a huge game as our first game. Having everyone on the same point and coming out with a lot of energy helped a lot,” Corboz said. “I don’t think it’s (the mindset) any different. That win will definitely help us, knowing we beat a really good Providence team, but it doesn’t change our mindset.”
Nolan credits Corboz and graduate student goalkeeper Emma Newins with setting the tone for the team’s play, Corboz on offense and Newins with the backline defense. Both were named to the Big East Honor Roll this past week.
“Both of them have been leaders on the field,” Nolan said. “Emma through her experience and playing at the back, with Rachel, our offense is built around her. For Rachel to get both goals off set-pieces will do her confidence a lot of good. For Emma, it was probably disappointing to give up that last goal, as goalies always measure themselves by shutouts, and to get that close and give up a goal is tough.”
The Blue and Gray know they cannot afford to lose any momentum going into Thursday’s rivalry game with Villanova (1-9-0, 0-1 Big East) even as the Wildcats have struggled to out of the gate, including losing their first conference match to Butler.
“I don’t look at them being 1-9, I look at them being 0-1,” Nolan said. “They just went down and lost a game at Butler where I thought the score was a little unfair to Villanova. Their kids will be excited for that. Georgetown is a game they always get up to play, there’s somewhat a rivalry, so I know it’s gonna be a tough game. Last three years, we’ve won, lost, and tied with them.”
Corboz sees no margin for any slippage or complacency going into the rivalry match with the Wildcats. “It’s important that we know we can’t let up,” said Corboz. “Every game in this conference is going to be a tough one. Villanova always gives a tough time; it’s really important for us to go out and be confident.”
