The Case Western Reserve University soccer team dropped its final game against Carnegie Mellon University 3-1, finishing the season with a solid 14-3-1 record, and a 4-2-1 University Athletic Association record, finishing second for the conference.

The Spartans looked to take control of the pace early, with second-year midfielder Connor Weber and third-year forward Zachary Senft missing shots high. However, off Carnegie Mellon’s first corner kick, an opposing striker was able to sneak in a goal off a missed header. Third-year midfielder Garrett Winter attempted to even the score, but the opposing goalie saved his shot.

The Tartans then took their momentum off their first goal and shot from twenty yards out, just three minutes after the first goal. Both teams played scrappy defense all throughout the match and combined for a total of 30 fouls. In the 34th minute, a Tartan player managed to score a goal to extend the lead.

Fourth-year defender Josh Wargo commented about the intensity of the game: “Playing against Carnegie we always expect them to be a little chippy especially with them being rivals…[there was] extra emphasis on our season and on possibly winning the UAA.”

Weber managed to score the Spartans first goal of the game off a free kick. In the second half, both teams slowed down their pace and took their time on offense. However, CWRU couldn’t find the back of the net anymore and lost to their rival.

Despite being down 3-0, Wargo recounts the determination of the team: “We were confident that we could’ve came back because we’re still getting quality changes on goal…we found a lot of success through swinging the ball from side to side and being patient in our build up…[by pulling] teams out before we can get in the box.”

The Spartans will be hosting Keystone University on Saturday, Nov. 10, for the first game of the Division III NCAA championship. On Sunday, the winner of the Capital University and Westminster College match will play the winner of the CWRU-Keystone matchup.

“We’re taking each day one at a time and relishing in the opportunity to still be one of the last 62 teams playing November. It’s a huge opportunity and we’re really looking forward to it,” Wargo said.