The Observer, October 13, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 7
Duracky's goal maintains Spartans' streak in UAA
Clear sunny skies helped the Spartans win a big game versus New York University last Sunday. After 104 minutes of play, senior Katie Duracky got one past the NYU goalie to win it 1-0 for the home team.
A soccer game is only supposed to last 90 minutes. To a spectator, the extra 20 minutes does not seem that big of a deal, but overtime is the true test of endurance. While nearly any team can perform well in regulation, those extra minutes start to take a toll on the players, and the game becomes one of fortitude.
Fortunately for the Spartans, they have lots of it. The first and second halves were merely a warm-up to showcase the team's ability to keep a consistent shape and move the ball as a unit. It was a physical game, with fouls on both sides, but this time no one was sent to the hospital.
"We played a cleaner game than in the past. We had better control of our aggression and used it to our advantage," said freshman Jen Soo-Hoo. And Soo-Hoo would know, as she played nearly the entire game, adding two shot attempts and countless play opportunities for her teammates.
Last season the game between the two teams had been decided in overtime with a phenomenal play from the now graduated Stepanczuk sisters. It seemed like déjà vu going into the first overtime, but someone else would have to step up and take the shot. Close to the end of the first extension, freshman midfielder Katie Fromwiller took the ball straight at the NYU defense. She maneuvered around, over, and through at least five players to come up empty in front of the goal. Even though the drive didn't end on target, it reenergized the Spartans.
The second overtime looked much like the rest of the game, with both sides battling hard. That was until about midway through the period when junior Bridget Mason was able to sneak a pass to Duracky, who placed the ball just above the goalie, who had slipped up and dove early on a fake. The crowd went wild, and the rest of the team charged the field to celebrate the win.
The defensive players should be commended for their effort, as they produced their third shutout of the season. Led by juniors Liz Altenau and Meredith Andrepont, the back four held their opponents' drives by keeping their composure and stepping into the open space. Back in goal, sophomore Kirsten McClain continued to rack up saves, and she now has a total of 24 for the season. McClain was also named defensive athlete of the week for her work against Brandeis, when she made 13 saves.
Visiting the Spartans this weekend are two very competitive teams, Washington University and the University of Chicago. The Spartans play Washington tonight at 5 p.m. and Chicago on Sunday at 11 a.m. The Spartans lost to both teams last season.
"We know they're going to be tough, but we're going to fight hard all weekend," freshman Kaitlyn Yule said. "We've got a good thing going in the UAA."
Yule was referring to the Spartans' unbeaten record in the league. This weekend is an enormous opportunity for the Lady Spartans to put themselves in position for a winning season in the UAA.
