The Case Western Reserve University women’s soccer team began conference play with an emphatic performance, playing to a double overtime tie with 16th ranked New York University (NYU). The Spartans are now 4-3-3 overall, including 0-0-1 in the University Athletic Association (UAA). The Violets are now 6-1-2 overall including 0-0-1 in conference play.

In a back and forth game, the Spartans’ defense held strong throughout. The defense did a good job holding NYU to only two shots in the first half of the contest. The Spartans also applied some pressure, putting two shots on goal of their three total shots.

In the second half, however, the Violets put the pressure on Spartan third-year goalkeeper Sarah Newcomb. With six total shots, including five corner kick opportunities, Newcomb was forced to make great plays. She responded to the NYU onslaught with four saves in the half, including an exceptional save that switched the momentum for the Spartans. Newcomb would not make another save until the double-overtime period.

When asked about her team’s performance, Head Coach Tiffany Crooks said, “NYU is a very good team and have consistently scored goals against very good opponents. While the group is pleased, they certainly want more out of the remaining UAA games.”

Crooks’ sentiment shows that while the Spartans certainly aren’t upset about their performance, they won’t be looking for ties— especially in conference games. Crooks added, “We were very happy to create a few very good scoring chances but also unsatisfied to not put anything in the back of the net.”

This was the Spartans’ second shutout of the season since the first game of the season. In the contest, the Violets had a significant lead in corner kick opportunities, 13 to three, and had 13 shots compared to seven for CWRU.

The Spartans will play the eighth ranked Brandeis University away in their second conference game of the season. When asked about what her team is looking forward to against Brandeis, Cooks said, “The trip to Brandeis is one we really enjoy.  They have a great soccer facility and a loud crowd, so the atmosphere will be fun.”