The Washington University women’s soccer team split a weekend series against University Athletic Association rivals Case Western Reserve University and University of Rochester, upending Case Western 3-1.
In front of a crowd of 460, junior captain Meghan Marie Fowler-Finn was able to lead her team to a much-needed victory. Fowler-Finn scored two goals in the effort, getting her squad on board early in the game.
Only a minute into the game, junior Sara Schroeder sent a well-executed pass across the field to Fowler-Finn, who got past a Case Western defender before sending the ball toward the upper near post and into the net for a 1-0 lead.
Freshman LeAnne Nguyen added another goal to the Bears’ lead at the 21:21 mark, knocking in a shot from 25 yards out. Fowler-Finn followed suit less than two minutes later, notching her second goal of the game off another assist from Schroeder, making good on a breakaway to the far post.
The second half didn’t showcase the offensive production as in the first half, and Case Western couldn’t get on the scoreboard until Case Western’s Kirsten McClain found success with less than a minute to play in regulation to end the scoring at 3-1. Nevertheless, the Bears’ stellar first half play gave them a win, snapping their two-game losing streak.
Sophomore keeper Nina Sass got the start in the net, and wasn’t given a chance to show her abilities, not getting a shot on goal in the entire first half. Sophomore Carrie Sear started the second half, also not getting a shot on her throughout the 35:15 that she was in goal. With the 3-0 lead with less than minutes left in the second half, head coach Wendy Dillinger decided to give freshman Caroline Shaikewitz some experience between the pipes. After making one save in the net, Shaikewitz let in Case Western’s lone goal with 45 seconds remaining in regulation.
The University held the advantage in both shots and corner kicks in the game, 7-4 and 5-0, respectively.
The Bears were hoping for the motivation following the Case Western win to continue going into the much more challenging game against No. 12 ranked University of Rochester on Sunday at Francis Field.
The game was highlighted by staunch defensive play, and Rochester capitalized on one play in the 16th minute to take the 1-0 lead, which would prove to be all the Yellow Jackets would need to garner their third UAA victory of the season. Rochester forward Mary Walsh beat Sass from 10 yards out.
Sear came in to relieve Sass in the second half and made two saves in the effort, holding the Rochester lead to 1-0. Despite being outshot 11-8 in the game, the Bears held the advantage in shots on goal, but five saves made by Yellow Jacket keepers held the squad scoreless. The University also held the advantage in corner kicks 4-3, but had one fewer penalty than Rochester, in a close 9-8 battle. Sophomore Marin McCarthy led the Bears with four shots and Fowler-Finn was a close second with two of her own.
The squad (7-6-1, 1-3 UAA) takes the field next on Wednesday, Oct. 19, on Francis Field against Fontbonne University. Game time is slated for 7 p.m.