At the start of each season, the players on the WashU women’s soccer team create a goal pyramid, starting with listing off small goals that set the building blocks for their larger aspirations. So far this season, the No. 1 ranked Bears have been ticking many of their goals off the list: have an undefeated season at home, win the University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship, and make the Final Four. Now, the Bears have their “top goal” left to achieve: to win the national championship.

One year later, the Bears are back on the prowl for the program’s second-ever national championship, and their journey to Las Vegas kicks off in St. Louis this weekend.

The WashU men’s soccer team showed grit and resilience over the weekend, securing a pair of tough draws against Carnegie Mellon University and Case Western Reserve University. In a 0-0 stalemate on Friday night, the Bears leaned on their defense to hold firm, while Sunday’s Senior Day matchup ended in a 1-1 tie after a late rally from Case Western.

The University Athletic Association (UAA) is one of Division III’s most difficult conferences for women’s soccer, hosting six nationally ranked programs. Currently, the No. 1 WashU women’s soccer team shares the top spot in the UAA with No. 3 Carnegie Mellon University — both with perfect 3-0 conference records.

The Washington University men’s soccer team suffered a 1-0 defeat to Brandeis University on Oct. 11 after conceding a goal in the 88th minute. The loss drops WashU to 0-2 in University Athletic Association (UAA) play, leaving them searching for their first conference win as they head back home.

WashU, which has played Brandeis each year since 2007, has not lost to the Judges since a 1-0 loss in 2015.

On Saturday, WashU passed their first conference test, reminding the league why they’re the defending conference champions. Though the Eagles put up a fight, the Bears clawed their way to a 2-1 victory. 

In its final non-conference game of the season, the Washington University’s men’s soccer team mauled the No. 14 Ohio Northern University, melting the Polar Bears’ ranking with a dominant 2-0 victory on a brisk Saturday afternoon.

On Sept. 23, WashU faced off against Calvin once again. The match ended in a 0-0 draw, the first for WashU this season.

Susee sat down with Student Life to discuss growing up with former collegiate athlete parents, his goals for the 2024 season, and which professional player he models his game after.