The past two weeks have been a roller coaster ride for the Yellowjackets soccer team, who faced four teams, including two in conference. Unfortunately, Washington University in St. Louis ended UR’s undefeated streak, but the ‘Jackets are still in second place in the UAA with an overall record of 10-1-3.
In an important home game against the University of Chicago on Oct. 13, Rochester came out sharp, scoring two goals in the first five minutes. UR moved the ball well, demonstrating good passing skills, as senior Ashley Weagraff, assisted by senior Anne McMahon, scored just 42 seconds into the game. Another scoring opportunity presented itself just four minutes later when senior Stephanie Klenotich lobbed a pass to senior Mary Walsh, who dribbled the ball briefly and then put it away, resulting in another goal to make the score 2-0.
With under 22 minutes left in the half, the ‘Jackets struggled to clear the ball and the Maroons capitalized on it, making the score 2-1. For the remainder of the game, the teams battled back and forth, but neither team was able to take advantage of the limited opportunities, making the end result a 2-1 victory for UR.
Two days after the game against Chicago, number one Rochester faced number two Washington University in a battle for supremacy of the UAA. Washington started strong, scoring goals in the 20th and 34th minutes of the first half to go up 2-0. Washington’s Libby Held took a shot that was deflected by UR’s goalie, junior Molly Leitch. However, the rebound went directly to Wash. U’s MeghanMarie Fowler-Finn, who put the ball in the goal. Then in the 34th minute, the Bears received a free kick from the 38 yard line. Held took a shot that was just out of the reach of Leitch and went in the back of the net. Feeling a sense of urgency, Rochester came out aggressively in the second half and outshot WU nine to two but was unable to score. Not only did this game mark the first loss for Rochester this season, but it also snapped a 16 game home-winning streak, which carried back to 2004.
Three days later, the Yellowjackets traveled to Nazareth. The defense brought its A game, not allowing a single shot on goal. Unfortunately, the offense was unable to score a goal for the second straight game. Although UR outshot the Golden Flyers 23-10, they were unable to put the ball in the net, resulting in a tie game.
In the second game of UR’s road trip, they traveled to play Keuka College. It seemed as if Rochester took out its previous frustrations on the Storm, winning 6-0. In each half, the ‘Jackets compiled three goals. Junior Tammy Brewster, senior Angela Heaney, sophomore Laura Bojko and freshman Erin Carballo each scored one goal and freshman Mae Butler scored the other two. Leitch played in goal for the first half and junior goalie Kate Levy played in the second half to help maintain UR’s 11th shutout of the year.
While Rochester rolled right past Keuka College, the team somewhat struggled against a determined Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute team. Again, UR was able to outshoot its opponent, 24-2, but was unable to score in regulation. However, in just the second minute of overtime, Walsh received a great opportunity; she weaved a shot past several defenders and into the back of the net to make the score 1-0, which was the final after two overtimes.
As the Yellowjackets prepare for their last three conference games of the season, they must build on their previous two victories to finish strong down the stretch heading into the playoffs.
Nathan is a member of the class of 2010.
