The women’s soccer team took the turf at Rotch Field on Saturday for their first regular-season game since 2019, a 2-1 victory over Plymouth State. 

The Lions almost found themselves playing catch-up after Plymouth found the back of the net in the first 15 minutes of the game, but the goal was waived off due to an offsides call on Plymouth. The momentum of the game shifted in favor of Emerson after the near deficit. 

“We just didn’t defend it well,” Head Coach David Suvak said. “I think that kind of woke our team up a little bit … I think they saw that we could easily have been down 1-0.”

Senior forward, Grace Cosgrove, found the back of the net twice in the first half — securing a 2-0 lead Emerson would never relinquish. Her performance was highlighted as a Lion of the Week honoree. 

“Being able to score the first two goals was super exciting and super thrilling,” Cosgrove said in a post-game interview. “I’m excited that we were able to have a home game and even a season in general.”

At halftime, Suvak rallied his team together and encouraged them to keep up the pressure, speed, and intensity that propelled them to an early lead. ​

The Lions cruised in the second half until a foul in the last seven minutes of the game opened the door for a Panthers comeback. Plymouth’s Sarah Hicks, scored on a penalty shot to tighten the gap 2-1. 

“I think we just got caught very quickly in transition,” Suvak said.

Despite the narrow lead, Emerson persisted. When the game clock hit 0:00, the Lions were on top. 

“I’m glad we came up with the win because we worked really hard,” Cosgrove said. 

The women’s soccer team has waited a long time for a home game day. Their 2020 season was cancelled amid the COVID-19 pandemic and a Sept. 8 match against Tufts was also called off. 

“We were all just bummed about that,” sophomore midfielder Simone Barragan-Shaw said. “Today we all came out thinking let’s do it. Let’s get this win.”

Barragan-Shaw made her first regular season debut on Saturday and stood out as a young talent on the team, winning over the crowd with her intense play. 

“I [was] definitely nervous, but it was awesome having as many supporters and fans as we did,” Barragan-Shaw said in a post-game interview, “definitely got the energy up.”

The team was grateful to have fans in the bleachers, as Emerson Students were able to attend the game and packed the Rotch Field stands on a sunny Saturday. 

“The fans are awesome,” Cosgrove said. “It totally changes the dynamic of the game. It makes you more excited to play.”

The women’s soccer team are pleased with the outcome of their first game and are looking forward to a great season. 

“I have missed this for two years, and it is amazing to be working with the players again,” Suvak said. “I am just so happy to be back.”

The women’s soccer team next takes on Saint Joseph’s College of Maine Wednesday night at 6:00 p.m. at Rotch Field.