Women’s soccer remains winless in UAA action

J.P. O'Hagan, Staff Reporter

Only two well-timed goals by two different opponents leave the Case Western women’s soccer team one game under .500 and standing at 8-9-1. The Spartans fell to both Carnegie Mellon and Emory by scores of 1-0 despite great play. Heading into the final game of the season, the Spartans strong play has fallen just short. “Personally, I wish the season had a few more weeks because I think we are playing our best soccer right now,” head coach Tiffany Crooks said. “I’m really really pleased with everyone.”

On a cold Friday evening at Case, the Spartan women were unable to overcome an early Carnegie Mellon goal in the annual “Kicks for a Cause” game. The Tartans scored the only goal of the game early in the first half. A long shot by Tartans’ Alex Venegas in the ninth minute ended up being the only goal of the game. The Spartans battled back for the next the next 81 scoreless minutes, but were unable to find room between the posts.
Kiley Armstrong gave the Spartans their best chance to tie the game on a prime opportunity in the 34th minute. Carnegie Mellon’s goalie was out of position and Armstrong sent a strong shot toward the net. However, it was stopped at the last second by a perfectly positioned defender. A very even match was highlighted by strong defensive play by both teams. Spartan keeper Abbey Smith, a previous UAA player of the week, played another great game with four saves between the posts.

For the annual “Kicks for a Cause” game, the team raised money to support the Likoni Community Football League. Based in Kenya, the L.C.F.L. is looking to create a women’s professional soccer team with the goal of empowering girls and young women in the community.

Another single goal stopped Case Western Reserve from a win and an upset of nationally-ranked number eight Emory University. Following 83 minutes of scoreless play, the Spartan’s hopes to score a single winning goal were dashed when Emory’s Kelly Costopoulos slid in to connect with a cross to beat Smith and find the back of the net. The Spartans were unable to find the back of the net in both games. “We created great scoring chances over the weekend, and just aren’t finishing them,” Crooks said. “Our group has continued to battle despite our unluckiness. We’re frustrated by it. We have players that are capable of scoring goals, and I’m trusting this weekend will finally be our time.”

The team will look to finish their season on a high note in the final game at home against Rochester University on Saturday evening.