The Observer, September 9, 2005
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 2
Newman sparks Lady Spartans in Kenyon Tournament
All the traveling that the Case women's soccer team did in preparation for their new field paid off last week as the Spartans went 2-0-1 in three games on the road.
In the season opener on Sept. 1 against local rival John Carroll, Case started things early. Freshman Caitlin Miller scored her first collegiate goal in the ninth minute to give the Spartans a 1-0 advantage. Just four minutes later, Miller added her second goal of the game, this time a shot from 35 yards away, to give Case a two-goal lead. The Blue Streaks slipped one by the Spartans in the 29th minute to set the final score at 2-1 in favor of Case. The second half proved to be a defensive struggle as the two teams combined for six shots. Senior Lauren Gaeta had three saves in the win.
"The defense has been solid since the first minute they stepped on the field," said Gaeta. "Although young (one senior, two sophomores, one freshman), they are taking command of the opposition's offense, not giving them a glimmer of hope. This year's defense is something I can definitely count on as a goalkeeper."
On Sept. 3, Case began play in the Kenyon Tournament. In the first game of the two-day event, the Spartans battled host Kenyon. In the 24th minute, the Lords got the early advantage as they converted their corner kick to go ahead by a 1-0 score. Late in regulation, the Spartans were able to get the equalizer from freshman Katie Duracky. Duracky's goal was set up by junior Andrea Newman. The teams battled for two overtimes, but the game finished at the same 1-1 deadlock. Gaeta had six saves for Case as the Spartans were outshot 16-6 during the 110 minutes of action.
On Sunday, the Spartans battled Mount Saint Joseph in their second game of the Kenyon Tournament. Case and the Lions were stuck at a scoreless draw through regulation and one overtime until Newman continued her solid weekend with a goal in the 103rd minute. Newman's goal was assisted by freshman Caroline Garber. Offensively, the Spartans were strong as they held the advantage in shots by a margin of 18-7. Gaeta was again outstanding for the Spartans as she made three saves in the 103 minute shutout effort.
The solid play of Newman down the stretch was certainly a consistent theme for the weekend. "I knew I had to step it up, especially in the second game, having played a double overtime the day before and with Cara [Stepanczuk] on the sidelines," she explained. "It was a team effort, and it felt great to end the weekend on such a high note."
Another highlight of the weekend was the consistent play of Case's freshmen.
"The freshmen have proven themselves truly worthy," said Gaeta. "They played with composure and maturity uncommon to typical freshman play."
Despite the great week to start off the season, the Spartans still have some long-term goals to accomplish.
"It's very important for us to keep up the momentum we have established, not just for the home opener, but throughout the entirety of the season," Newman said. "We have a lot of tough competition ahead of us, and we will need to keep up our intensity to meet the goals we have set for the season."
"We have started off on the right foot, but need to continue on this high and not let ourselves into a rut, as it will make it much harder to defend our new home turf," Gaeta added. "UAAs are obviously the climax of [the] season, and it is imperative that we feel strong physically and mentally going into that part of the season, and I think the best way to do so is staying on a winning track."
The Spartans must continue their road warrior ways as they travel to Allegheny College tomorrow before they play their first game in the new stadium on Tuesday against Mount Union.
