Junior forward Olivia Clemons kicks the ball down the field. (Bri Nitsberg | Student Life)

The No. 1 WashU women’s soccer team recorded its 10th shutout of the season on Saturday, Oct. 10, beating the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) Spartans at home 2-0. The Bears, who have outscored opponents 59-3 this season, moved to 12-0 overall and 2-0 in the University Athletic Association (UAA).

WashU earned 11 corner kicks in the game, and both of the Bears’ goals came off corners. In the 31st minute, senior forward Madi Foley scored her sixth goal of the season, putting away a rebound after sophomore midfielder Monica Morales-Martinez’s shot off a corner was blocked, bringing the score to 1-0. The Bears have earned 98 corners this season while limiting their opponents to 19.

The Bears doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half. Junior midfielder Kate Martin scored, placing a header into the top left part of the net off a corner kick from senior midfielder Sophie Viscovich. 

“We practice the corner kicks almost every day, so we just stuck to our principles,” Martin said. “[Viscovich] played a great ball, and I just headed it back across.”

Although Martin had taken 11 shots heading into this game, this was her first goal of the season. 

“My family [was] watching at home, and I had my grandparents come here to visit, so I’m super excited to have them here for the goal,” Martin said.

Martin’s header rounded out the scoring for the game, but the Bears remained comfortable for the final 40 minutes, despite consistent pressure from the Spartans.

“I think we do a good job [handling the physical game],” Head Coach Jim Conlon said. “Obviously, I don’t think Case was any more physical than we were to them, and it was just a gritty game that they needed to find a way to manage.”

No matter who stepped on the field for the Bears, the team looked cohesive.

“We look to our leaders a lot throughout the game, kind of to settle the mentality,” Martin said. “The seniors play a big role in that, knowing after their four years what to do on the field. So we listen to them a lot and lean on them.”

Upperclassmen, including Viscovich, Martin, and junior goalkeeper Kassidy Lanthier, stayed on the field for nearly the whole game, setting an example for the team’s composure. Their leadership has contributed to the Bears’ 61-game unbeaten streak. 

The Bears look to keep their streak going at Carnegie Mellon University on Saturday, Oct. 17 at 1:30 p.m.