The season did not end as envisioned for the 10th-ranked Washington University women’s soccer team.

After clinching the UAA title last weekend, the Bears (15-3, 5-2 UAA) fell to rival University of Chicago (11-4-3, 4-1-2 UAA) 2-1 in the regular season finale in the Windy City.

“We knew we were in the tournament and lost sight of the game at hand,” said junior back Shirey Lane, a captain.

Sophomore forward Caryn Rosoff put the Bears on the board early, something they have been struggling to do all season. In the 27th minute, she scored on a breakaway from 18 yards out with an assist credited to junior Caitlin Malone.

The second half did not go as planned. After playing a very strong first half, the Bears did not come out with the same mental and physical intensity in the second stanza. The Maroons instead came out strong, determined to make a comeback.

Ironically, the Red and Green have often been the team down going into the second half and upped their play to win.

This was the first time this season they lost after being ahead.

Chicago sophomore forward Brooke Bontz tied up the match in the 75th minute. Seven minutes later, she hit the game-winner with juniors Anne Scherer and Olivia Nydabagye assisting.

“We didn’t come out as focused as we should have, and they wanted it more than we did,” said senior captain Carrie Sear, the team’s goalkeeper, who recorded four saves in the loss. “We didn’t take control. You can’t win or do well if you are playing defense.”

“This couldn’t have happened at a better time. This was a wake-up call. We need to refocus and realize how important every minute of every game is,” added Lane.

The Bears were down offensively in the second half. Sophomore forward Therese Fox did not play in the game because of a groin injury. Classmate Elyse Hanly got injured in the first half.

Even though other players stepped up to fill their roles, Hanly will definitely be back for the postseason while Fox will return to the field this weekend.

Even with this disappointing loss, Wash. U. will take the field again. As the UAA champions, the Bears receive the conference’s automatic bid to the postseason tournament. The bracket will be announced today on NCAAsports.com.

Updates will also be posted on www.studlife.com pertaining to the dates and locations of the team’s games.

“You learn something from every loss,” said Sear. “People will come out a little feisty and angry because of things that happened. It’s a pride game.’

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