The Case Western Reserve University men’s soccer team got back on track last week, notching two wins against Emory University and University of Rochester. The Spartans rebounded after a tough previous week that saw them tie 1-1 at Oberlin College and lose 2-1 against Brandeis University.

In the first contest against Emory, the Spartans had a balanced attack, scoring a goal in each half while limiting Emory to four shots on goal. In the first half, second-year midfielder Paul Darmstadter scored off a free kick to the left side of the net past the goalkeeper. This happened with less than five minutes to go in the half, and the Spartans held on to that lead going into the second half.

That score held true until the 83rd minute of the game when first-year midfielder Noah Kleedtke struck again for the Spartans, giving them a two-goal lead that would hold the rest of the match.

Of an interesting note, defensively the Spartans played two goalkeepers in this contest, second-year students Calvin Boyle and Christian Grimme and each of the goaltenders recorded two saves apiece.

The second contest against Rochester was a more defensive-minded game for both teams. Fourth-year captain Alex Masciopinto scored what would ultimately be the game winning goal just a minute into the second half. Masciopinto’s first collegiate goal was a big one, as this win brought the Spartans into a tie for first place in the University Athletic Association (UAA). Save for the lone goal, there weren’t many chances for either team, with each team only mustering four shots on goal. Spartan goaltender Grimme registered his fifth shutout in the contest and brought his individual record to 5-1-0 for the year.

The CWRU Spartans showed the resiliency and maturity of a great team, refusing to let last week’s mediocre showing affect their play the following week. The Spartans are now 11-2-1 on the season as they take a break from UAA play next week only playing one game. The Spartans will play Waynesburg University this Saturday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m.