Photo by Jamie Germano - UR Athletics
This past Saturday, Nov. 5, the men’s and women’s soccer teams battled against the Case Western Reserve University Spartans in their last matches of the season. On an unusually sunny day for November, both the men and the women fought valiantly until the end but came up short with a loss for the men and a draw for the women.
Going into the match, the men’s team knew the Spartans would be tough contenders with a 13-4 record. But the men’s team wasn’t about to be discounted, after making it to the NCAA Division III national championships for the past six years.
A little over halfway through the match the ’Jackets were sent their final blow off the head of Spartan and All-American Vinny Bell. Unable to recover, UR took the loss, but still finished with a winning season of 9-5-2, 3-3-1 in the UAA.
The women finished their game more evenly, matching the Lady Spartans shot for shot, and not giving up any shots in overtime.
Case Western got into the goal first, but 23 minutes later senior forward Ellen Coleman sent it soaring with a well-placed penalty kick. Coleman scored UR’s second goal, but Case returned the favor, leaving the score 2-2.
Junior goalie Bridget Lang continued her outstanding season, saving 15 shots to the five saved by the Spartans’ goalkeeper. With that tie the women also ended with a winning season of 8-7-1.
Both teams are taking their finales in stride, already looking forward to their next shot at a championship.
Olfano is a member of the class of 2012.
