Following a disappointing 1-0 loss to the Washington University in St. Louis at home on Oct. 22, Case Western Reserve University rebounded on the road against Brandeis University on Oct. 28, adding a 2-1 victory to the win column. CWRU currently stands at 8-3-3 overall and 2-2-2 in University Athletic Association (UAA) play.
Though the Spartans outshot WashU 8-4, the WashU squad was able to find the back of the net in the 33rd minute. Fourth-year midfielder Jacob Salmon led the Spartans with two shots, with fourth-year defenders Jad Oglesby and Josh Cook, as well as first-year defender Daniel Sandall, each also adding one shot on goal. In front of 473 fans, the CWRU team celebrated Senior Day prior to the start of the game, honoring graduating players Cook, Ryan Doughty, Oglesby, Alex Lippiatt, Salmon and fourth-year midfielder Matt Vatne.
Against Brandeis, the Spartans and the Judges went back and forth but to no avail, ending the first half scoreless. In the second half, third-year forward Brandon Kim scored in the 52nd minute off of an assist from Vatne. Vatne, who was handling the ball around 10 yards from the box on the goal line, sent a pass to Kim who was running towards the middle of the box. Kim then kicked the shot into the net to give CWRU a 1-0 lead. Vatne earned his sixth assist of the season, leading the team in that stat.
Later in the 74th minute, Vatne took a shot from 25 yards away from the goal which pulled the Judges’ goalkeeper out of position for a diving save. Cook was in prime position and got the rebound and sent it into the lower right corner to push the Spartan lead to 2-0. Cook notched his second goal of the season.
Brandeis was looking to make a strong comeback, scoring just two minutes later after breaking down the Spartan defense to cut the deficit to 2-1.
Fortunately, the Spartan defense intensified their efforts and prevented any more successful offensive attacks from the Judges. The CWRU defense was anchored by second-year goalkeeper Bradley Winter, who made four saves in his eighth win of the campaign thus far.
Overall, the Spartans outshot Brandeis 19-12, including in shots-on-goal (6-5). The 19 shots is the second-most for this season, with third-year midfielder Lukas Dalakis leading the team with four shots. Vatne and Kim each added three. CWRU also had an advantage in the fouls, recording only 5 to the Judges’ 12.
Vatne was named the UAA Athlete of the Week for offense for his performance against Brandeis. Vatne was instrumental in pushing the offense, leading the team with two assists over the weekend.
The Spartans are currently fifth ranked in Region VII in the NCAA Division III. They will have one more regular season game to boost their overall record for a chance at a postseason berth. CWRU will have their regular season finale in Pittsburgh against Carnegie Mellon University on Nov. 4.
