Crunch time is approaching for the Washington University men’s soccer team as three crucial UAA matches near––all of which are going to be disputed at Francis Field. However, a 1-0 loss Sunday afternoon at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater in Whitewater, Wis. complicated the Bears’ momentum heading into that crucial stretch.

Grace Bruton | Student Life

Around the 42nd minute of the match, the key moment came on a corner kick executed by UW-Whitewater that resulted in the only goal of the game. Despite the Bears’ best attempt to deflect the ball from the area, the opposition sent a header straight into the back net.

The result, however, does not accurately depict all of the events that transpired within the match itself. For one, the Bears generated plenty of opportunities with the numbers in their favor 16-7 in shots and 11-5 in corner kicks. Throughout this fall season, the Wash. U. men have shown over and over again that they are a team that fights for a result, rather than waiting for the opposition to visibly open the spaces. Even while some games fell short of what head coach Joe Clarke planned for his team their performances have been consistent.

The first half fell in favor of the Bears, as multiple times they found themselves with plenty of room to aim for shots on goal. While rival goalkeeper Jake King prevented the Bears from walking out with a favorable result, Wash. U. demonstrated a capable and threatening offense. As of late, however, whenever the Bears have generated an attack, not enough players have been near the penalty area to give the ball that final touch and make it a goal.

The second half featured much of the same, with the Bears possessing the ball and trying to get themselves on the scoreboard. As determined as the Red and Green were, they were unable to surpass the UW-Whitewater defense and goalie. They did well to press on, taking advantage of the fact that the home team slowly fell back to guard the result. Again, the lack of a definite finishing touch provoked their loss. While this is not a conference match, the fact stands that the Wash. U. men have not played well away from home recently.

Fortunately for the Bears, their next game will be on home turf, Friday evening against Brandeis University. While their record is now 6-6-1, the Bears are currently unbeaten in home field; with just three games remaining, this conference match will hold important weight in determining what’s next for Wash. U.