The Augustana Vikings women’s soccer team took on North Central on a cold, rainy senior night at Thorson-Lucken Field on April 8. Despite the 1-1 draw against the Cardinals, it was a memorable night for several of the Vikings.
Augustana was excited to play North Central, a strong team who defeated them last season.
“I was really pumped going into the game because it was senior night and we all really wanted a win against a team like North Central,” junior forward Marci Arreguin said. “They are a talented team so right away I knew it would be a battle.”
North Central took an early lead with a goal in the first half. But the Vikings weren’t afraid to play from behind.
“When they scored I think we all knew we had to switch gears to take control of the game,” Arreguin said. “We had a lot of opportunities to score.”
With it being senior night, Augustana tried something new. During the game, senior goalkeeper Sydney Ion moved from the goal to the field. Playing in the field has been Ion’s dream since she entered college, and Coach Scott Mejia granted this wish. Freshman Janey Castoe took over in goal.
“I have been begging Coach since freshman year to play the field and go back to when I was a little kid playing on the field,” Ion said. “Coach and I talked and decided senior night would be a great shot to try the field and give Janey a shot in a tough match, and she did amazing.”
Castoe made the most of her opportunity, but cared more about her teammate’s success.
“I was super excited to be able to play and it was so awesome to see Sydney out on the field where she scored her first collegiate goal,” Castoe said.
But Ion’s time in the field wasn’t just a feel-good story. With 5:40 to play in the second half and Augustana trailing 1-0, Ion broke free and scored her first collegiate goal to tie the game. With Castoe in goal, the Vikings were able to salvage the draw.
Even though they didn’t secure a win, the Vikings were excited with how the night went, especially for Ion being able to score, and for Castoe’s performance in relief of her senior teammate.
“I loved that Syd got the chance to play on the field. She carries so much energy and is always hyping the whole team up, so it’s no surprise that she was able to score the one and only goal,” Arreguin said. “She’s just a great soccer player all around and I’m glad I got the chance to play with her these past three years.”
A dream senior night wouldn’t have been possible without the support of all of Ion’s teammates.
“They were all my biggest fans,” Ion said. “I’m really blessed to have a supporting and loving family-based team who push each other to be our best.”
The Vikings will finish the spring season with a road match against rival Illinois Wesleyan on April 15, before returning home to face Elmhurst on April 22 in their final game.