Northeastern team’s first score (3)
I believe the answer is:
net
'score' is the definition.
(both can mean to obtain or secure)
'northeastern team's first' is the wordplay.
'northeastern' becomes 'ne' (abbreviation for northeastern).
'team's first' becomes 't' (1st letter of 'team').
'ne'+'t'='NET'
(Other definitions for net that I've seen before include "Mesh; entrap" , "Trap made from mesh" , "Trap; open-weave fabric" , "Meshwork" , "Fish trap after deductions?" .)