Case Western Reserve University soccer had a great week on the road, getting three wins in response to their first loss of the season against Baldwin Wallace University, Capital University and John Carroll.

The Spartans started their week Wednesday at Baldwin Wallace, striking first with fourth-year Matthew Zembas’ goal in the 39th minute off of a free kick approximately 25 yards out. The Spartans had more opportunities than the Yellow Jackets in the first half, outshooting the team 8-3.

Early in the second half, the Spartans had a chance to increase their lead but early-season-star Michael Balog clanked one off the post, and the follow up opportunity was stopped by the goalkeeper.

Shortly afterward the Yellow Jackets responded with a goal of their own when Craig Wallace was able to head one in past goalkeeper Calvin Boyle. Not to be undone, the Spartans rose up to the challenge and third-year Jacob Grindel found the back of the net in the 73rd minute to give the Spartans the lead for good. Grindel is tied for the team lead with three goals so far this season.

When asked about his team’s overall play and it’s stifling defense, which held the Yellow Jackets to only one shot on goal, head coach Brandon Bianco said, “We’ve done a good job with collective team defending.”

Bianco also said that he liked the pressure that his team applied to Yellow Jacket defenders.

The Spartans continued their road trip by going to Capital University to take on the Crusaders. All the scoring in this match was done in the first half, as Joshua Prosser found the back of the net first for the Spartans in the 15th minute. After defenseman Rusheel Shah got a red card at the 23 minute mark, Capital forward Alexander Basiakos scored just 12 seconds later to tie the game up. The Spartans would respond, with Jacob Phillips scoring one past the Crusader goalkeeper by sliding in the box off of a Dean Balabanov free kick.

The game was one to remember for goalkeeper Boyle, who had seven saves throughout the contest. There was a lot of added pressure against the sophomore goalie due to the Red card on the Spartans, forcing them to play with one less player for most of the game. When asked about Boyle’s performance, Bianco said “Calvin made some big time saves.” Bianco also said that the goalie was “athletic, and good with his feet.”

The Spartans beat cross town rival John Carroll 2-0 on Wednesday night as the Observer was going to print. Full coverage can be found here. 

The Spartans are cruising through their schedule this season currently with four wins to only one loss. Look for them this Saturday at 2:30 at DiSanto Field to face off against Ohio Northern University (4-2).