Case Western Reserve University women’s soccer team fought their way a tough, gritty 1-0 victory on the road this past Saturday afternoon against Ohio Northern University Polar Bears. The Spartans scored an early goal and held off the regional opponent in a tough environment. In the process, the team grabbed their consecutive shutout. The Spartans continue to find results in non-conference play, going 4-0-1 record in the past five matches. The team’s overall record is 5-1-1 on the season.

The Spartans started off the game looking to attack Ohio Northern right from kick-off. The CWRU midfield often looked deep, trying to spring the Spartans’ pacey front line in behind the opposing back line. This game plan help senior forward Jessie Sabers lead the Spartans’ attack with five shots on goal.

The Spartans were able to capitalize off the early pressure by forcing the Polar Bears to concede an early corner kick. Off the corner, Amy Lindberg was able to escape her marker to place a beautiful volley into the top shelf of the goal. The goal came off a cross by senior forward Caitlyn McGillis. It was Lindberg’s first goal of her career and held up as the game’s only score.

Even after the early goal, the match was tight. The teams were tied at eight shots at halftime. CWRU held the slight advantage by having more shots on goal.

The Polar Bears kept the game interesting by hitting another gear offensively in the second half. ONU increased their pressure on the backline which led to having a slight advantage on shots. The Polar Bears finished the game with an 18-16 advantage. The slight increase was due to fact the Polar Bears were able to throw multiple players up into the attack, searching for the right combination to unlock the stout Spartan defense.

Abbey Smith helped to stave off the tough Ohio Northern University attack. Smith made eight saves in the game leading towards her fourth shutout of the season.
Smith has only allowed four goals in seven matches this season which helped her to be named UAA Women’s Soccer Defensive player of the week. The honor is Smith’s second UAA player of the week award of her career. She currently leads the UAA in saves with 27 on the year.

The Spartans look to continue their nonconference success against crosstown rival John Carroll University this Friday, Sept. 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Don Shula stadium on the campus of JCU.