This past weekend, the Case Western Reserve University men’s and women’s soccer teams completed an undefeated doubleheader, facing UAA opponents Brandeis University and New York University with four shutouts. Following the games, the men’s team improved 1-2-2 while the women’s team improved 3-1-1. 

The first games of the weekend were held in Waltham, Massachusetts against the No. 5-ranked men’s team and No. 19-ranked women’s team. 

In the men’s team’s hard-fought match against the Judges, which eventually ended in a draw, fourth-year goalkeeper and co-captain Bradley Winter and second-year midfielder Ashton McNally delivered standout performances. Winter set a new school-record in shutouts in a single season with nine, and recorded four saves during the game. McNally led the team in shots with a total of four shots with one on goal. Offensively, the Spartans had outshot the Judges 16-13 with 5-4 in shots on goal. 

The following Sunday, the Spartan men recorded their first UAA win against the NYU Violets. The victory was complete with another set of standout performances by McNally and Winter. During the 56th minute, McNally scored the game-winning goal with an assist from fourth-year forward McLaren Baggett. Following Baggett’s chip to the middle of the box, McNally beat the Violet goalkeeper on a slide to secure the goal. 

“What stood out most to me this weekend was the hard work from everyone on the team,” McNally said. “Double weekends are the hardest mentally and physically, especially on the road, but everyone on the team gave their full effort, and that was the reason for our success.” 

The No. 6-ranked Spartan women dominated this weekend against No. 19-ranked Brandeis and No. 24-ranked NYU, scoring both 2-0 against their UAA opponents. With their two wins, the Spartan women are currently tied with this weekend’s opponent Emory University for second in the conference.  

Despite the Judges early possession, the Spartan defense kept Brandeis off the scoreboard, blocking two cornerkicks and a shot within the first 16 minutes. The Spartans then took control of the field which culminated in a goal from first-year defender Mia Modrovich in the 21st minute with an assist from fourth-year midfielder and forward Molly Shamah. The goal marked the first of Modrovich’s career. The Spartan’s second goal came during the second half, following first-year forward and midfielder Izzy Probst’s connecting with fourth-year forward Maggie Farra at the edge of the 6-yard box off of a throw-in. 

Probst scored the first goal against NYU during the 30th minute. Second-year midfielder Abby Welker successfully gained possession of the ball before connecting with Probst who shot the ball into the bottom corner of the net. The Spartans doubled the score after a goal from fourth-year forward and midfielder Alexis Sassower who was assisted by fourth-year midfielder and defender Julia Flynn. 

“Reflecting on this weekend’s games, our team’s energy and the goals we set throughout the week were clearly reflected in how we played,” Probst said. “One of our main focuses was to start strong and give full effort for all 90 minutes as a unified group. I think we did an excellent job of that in the Brandeis game on Friday. It was exciting to see the team’s growth and especially rewarding to watch Mia Modrovich score her first goal.”

Defensively, second-year Ellie Palaian recorded a total of six saves this weekend. Similar to Winter, Palaian set the season-program record in shutouts with 11, breaking a tie with former Spartans Maggie Storti (2021) and Anna Kennedy (2011). For their impressive defensive work in front of the net this weekend, both goalkeepers were named UAA Defensive Player of the Week and Spartan Club Athletes of the Week.

The women’s team are currently ranked third in NCAA Power Index and also increased in the United Soccer Coaches Top 25 ranking to No. 5 in the nation. All eight UAA teams are nationally ranked, making the conference a challenge and learning experience as the Spartans aim for a national championship. 

“As a team, our ultimate goal this year is to win a national championship and to be the best at doing the little things right,” Probst said. “For the rest of the UAA, our focus is to win out and continue performing at our highest level.”

Both teams will be hosting Emory this weekend on DiSanto Field for the final home game of the season. Emory’s men’s team currently ranks No. 4 in the nation while the women’s team ranks No. 2. The men’s team will be celebrating their six graduating seniors before kickoff at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 1, followed by the women’s game at 1:30 p.m.