The Case Western Reserve University women’s soccer team displayed their offensive firepower last week at home with a commanding 3-0 win against Allegheny College on Tuesday, Oct. 2. However, the team faced a setback with a 2-0 loss to New York University (NYU) on Saturday, Oct. 6.

The match against Allegheny strongly favored the Spartans as the team had 16 shots in the first half even though they were unable to score.   

The momentum carried over to the second half, and the CWRU offense came to life. The first strike was during the 61st minute, when fourth-year forward Maggie Tyma received a header from fourth-year forward Melanie Kukura, dribbled it on the left side of the box and shot it past the outstretched arms of the goalie.  

Five minutes later, third-year forward Kimberly Chen would recover a saved shot taken by Tyma and sneak it past the goalkeeper. Chen put another goal under her belt when she hit a 30-yard free kick right above the arms of the goalie to add to the lead.

Overall, the offense had 28 shots with 15 on goal, while the defense, lead by second-year goalkeeper Lauren Metz, held Allegheny scoreless.

“We have good offensive players who had scoring opportunities,” Head Coach Tiffany Crooks said. “And, Tyma was the real spark she has proven throughout her time here she can be. She came on in the second half and changed the game. Her effort really opened it up for us.”

The conference matchup against NYU did not go as well for the Spartans.

NYU jumped out to an early lead in the 10th minute, as third-year midfielder Isabelle Turner scored off of an assist from second-year midfielder Julia Raith. Three minutes later, Turner added another goal as she corralled a loose ball in the box and scored. NYU scored these two early first-half goals and held onto their lead, while the Spartans’ offense remained scoreless.

Fourth-year midfielder Emily Dickens led the offense with four of the team’s nine shots and two of the three shots on goal. Metz had another strong game with eight saves, despite the loss.

The team finished the week with a win and a loss, bringing their overall season record to 6-5 and their conference record to 0-2.

The team will face tough back-to-back matchups, with a Senior Day game against No. 1 Washington University in St. Louis on Friday, Oct. 12 and against No. 13 University of Chicago on Sunday, Oct. 14.

“This is a really tough weekend, and we’re used to it. Last year, we played them on the road when they were [No. 1] and [No. 2], respectively. We lost at [Washington University in St. Louis] in the last minutes and played [University of] Chicago closer than most teams at that point,” Crooks said. “Our women respect the talent and accomplishments of these programs, but we aren’t intimidated by it. I’m excited for the games. And being at home during Homecoming is a great boost for us. It will be wonderful to welcome back our women’s soccer alums throughout the weekend.”