The women’s soccer team is off to a tremendous start this season, with an unbeaten 5–0–2 record (3–0–2 in the NESCAC). One of the big reasons behind the team’s success has been midfielder Rylie Mutton ’23. Mutton has already scored four goals this season, including two huge overtime game-winners against Amherst on Sept. 18 and Middlebury this past weekend on Sep. 25. Along the way, she has earned one NESCAC Player of the Week award.

The Spectator

sat down with Mutton to discuss her and her team’s success as they look to contend for a NESCAC title.

With a 5–0–2 record and some huge wins in the NESCAC, how does it feel to be off to such a strong start to the season?

It’s definitely been an exciting three or four weeks with the results we’ve been getting, especially since we lost to Williams and Amherst and tied Middlebury 2 years ago, but it’s looking like the NESCAC is going to be very competitive this season. We have to find the balance between celebrating our recent victories and staying focused on our upcoming games against a powerhouse Tufts and some rising teams like Wesleyan and Trinity.

You have provided a lot of offense already this year, including several game-winning goals. How have you personally been able to take that step up on the field?

My freshman year, I played a more defensive role as a midfielder because we had two senior midfielders that were very offensive. I knew that after they graduated, I would have to step up and contribute some goals, and I feel very lucky and grateful that my goals have been coming in when the team really needs it. I definitely could not have stepped up without my teammates around me, and I hope that we as a team can keep producing goals and results throughout the rest of the season.

Two of your team’s NESCAC wins have come in overtime. What does it say about the team that you’ve been able to battle to these hard-fought victories?

It’s definitely a reflection on our defense and goalkeepers, who save us time and time again from shots and breakaways late in the game. Even after playing 90 minutes without a substitute, I know that the girls behind me will put their all into making that last sprint to save the game. These victories also say a lot about our sideline. At any point in the game, whoever is on the bench is always cheering louder than our opponents. The energy alone helps us carry out a tie or grind out a win.

How long do you think your unbeaten streak can continue?

I truly believe that the way that we’re playing right now still isn’t us at our peak, but I can see that we’re working quickly toward it. I would be nervous if I was another NESCAC team looking at us on their upcoming schedules.

What are your team’s goals for the rest of the season?

Two years ago, we finished fifth in the NESCAC, and we decided from day one that our most important goal is to finish at least one spot higher. So fourth in the NESCAC and a good NESCAC tournament run is the overall goal, with the thought of getting an at-large bid to NCAAs still in mind as the dream. We still have to focus on every game along the way in order to achieve those goals, so right now Sage Colleges on Sept. 29 and then our Colby/Tufts double header the weekend of Oct. 2–3 is what our focus is on.

Lightning Round

Most underrated part of the soccer season?

Team dinners and breakfasts; I can guarantee there is never a boring second with this team.

Teammate with a secret talent?

Ask Frankie Lilly ’23 to breakdance… pretty cool.

Best road trip movie?

Definitely a tough question but I have to go with Cars. Don’t come after me — it’s a classic.

Favorite game day meal?

I rely too heavily on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. It’s been a tradition ever since I started club soccer when I was younger to always eat one before a game, even when that game might be at 8:00 a.m.

Any pregame superstitions?

Too many to list here, but some major ones: always starting with the left leg when getting ready, so left sock before right sock, left cleat before right cleat, and left shin guard before right shin guard, my PB&J (of course), and watching Catarina Macario highlights because she is a scoring beast and I need the inspiration. watching Catarina Macario highlights because she is a scoring beast and I need the inspiration.