Washington University’s fifth-ranked women’s soccer team opened its conference season primed to defend its title. After going 7-0 in University Athletic Association play last year, the Bears (10-0, 1-0 UAA) defeated Carnegie Mellon University (5-4, 0-1 UAA) 2-0 Sunday at Francis Field.

Wash. U. stayed true to form, failing to find the net in the first half. The Bears recorded four shots in the half. Junior Samantha Murphy gave the Red and Green their best attempt of the half, nearly heading in sophomore Libby Held’s free kick in the 37th minute. However, the ball fell just wide of the net.

“We weren’t possessing the ball,” said Head Coach Wendy Dillinger of this particular game’s first-half difficulties.

The second half was also characteristic of this year’s team. The Bears began to dominate play. By the 25th minute, they equalled their entire first half shot total. Sophomore Caryn Rosoff got off to a solid shot in the 70th minute. Carnegie’s freshman keeper Anya Rosen made a diving save, knocking away the ball to the foot of freshman Julie Tembunkiart, who put the ball into the net. The eventual game winner was the first goal of Tembunkiart’s collegiate career.

“It was awesome and was great timing,” said Tembunkiart of her goal.

Three minutes later, Rosoff scored an insurance goal with an assist by sophomore Elyse Hanley. With that goal, Rosoff became the team’s points leader on the season. She nearly made the score 3-0 in the 88th minute, going one-on-one with Rosen. Showing great anticipation skills, Rosen dove right on the ball, preventing the score. “We stepped it up in the second half, which makes everyone play better,” said Rosoff. “Our first touch was better and we were more aggressive [in the second half],” added Dillinger.

The defense put up another stellar performance, allowing only three shots the entire game. Senior Carrie Sear played the first 78 minutes in goal with back-up Amanda Boe coming in for the final 12. The victory marked the seventh shutout of the season and the 15th career game in which Sear has shut out the opposition while playing the majority of the game. Even more impressively, over halfway into the season the Bears have only allowed three goals.

Even with the slow start, the team was happy with their overall performance.

“There is always pressure in the first conference game because you don’t know what to expect. This game showed us that we can play with anyone,” said Rosoff.

Wash. U. next travels to Atlanta to face fourth-ranked Emory University, who tied number 29 University of Chicago 0-0 Saturday, ruining their perfect season.

“This is a good start [to conference play], which is important,” said Dillinger. “The conference will be really tight this year and we need to take care of business.

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