The UR women’s soccer game against the Brandeis University Judges was an extremely close match, ending in a 0-0 tie after two overtimes. While the team was able to shut out its opponent for the fifth consecutive time and the ninth time this season, the strong defense by Brandeis prevented a win for the ‘Jackets.
It seems that UR’s mantra this season has been to start out fast, and the team did just that. The ‘Jackets amassed six corner kicks in the first half as opposed to zero by the Judges. However, late in the half, UR’s defense was unable to clear the ball, resulting in a late surge by Brandeis. The Judges were able to pull off a point blank shot, but junior goalie Molly Leitch dove and thwarted one of the few scoring chances for Brandeis.
Again, in the second half, UR started out aggressive, keeping the ball on Brandeis’s side of the field, but was unable to get many shots on goal. With 23:58 left in regulation, Bojko was able to weave through the defense and cross the ball to junior Tammy Brewster, who put a shot just right of the goal. This was perhaps the team’s best scoring opportunity of the game. After that, neither team had many scoring opportunities, resulting in a 0-0 tie in regulation play and continuing through two 10 minute overtimes.
Coach Gurnett made many substitutions throughout the game in order to find the right combination to win. Conversely, Brandeis stuck with the same lineup for virtually the entire game. In the effort, UR outshot the Judges 21-6 and held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks. The defense continued its dominance, compiling its ninth shutout in 10 games. However, the offense was never able to capitalize on its limited opportunities.
At halftime, several members of Rochester’s 1986 and 1987 National Championship women’s soccer teams were honored in a celebration the 20th anniversary of their championships.
The Brandeis game marked the first true test for UR in its conference. Next week, the ‘Jackets will face the University of Chicago, the number four team in the UAA and Washington University, the number two team. Both games are at home and are important if UR is to maintain its position as first in the UAA conference standings.
Nathan can be reached at hnathan@campustimes.org
