The University of Chicago women’s soccer team is gearing up for a crucial match against John Carroll on Saturday. This game wraps up their challenging five-game road trip, and it’s also their final contest before kicking off conference play next week.
Currently, the Maroons boast an impressive record of 7 wins, 0 losses, and 1 draw. They recently secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory against North Central. This strong start matches their best since 2021, when they kicked off the season with an 8-0 record.
The University Athletic Association (UAA) has shown remarkable strength this season, compiling a combined record of 55 wins, 2 losses, and 10 draws, with a stunning goal differential of 213 to 28 across all teams. Several teams, including #2 Emory, #4 Case Western, and #5 Washington University, are also undefeated.
The Maroons are aiming for their 11th NCAA Tournament appearance in the last 12 seasons. Their only absence from the tournament since 2013 was in 2022.
Star player Kate Bruntlett leads the team with five goals. She made history by scoring in four consecutive games, a feat last achieved by a UChicago player in 2019. Other key players include Mary Stuart Kerrigan, Kamiryn Braxton Grimes, and Karena Shah, each with three goals this season. Notably, Shah has kicked off two game-winning goals.
Sophia Sasaki has been solid in goal, posting a stellar goals against average of 0.46 and achieving three clean sheets out of her 13 saves.
On the flip side, John Carroll enters this match with a record of 6 wins, 2 losses, and 1 draw. They recently stretched their winning streak to six games with a 3-1 victory over Pitt-Greensburg. However, they faced a tough situation earlier this season, losing 6-0 to #4 Case Western.
The Blue Streaks have seen contributions from multiple players. Emily Patrzyk and Brooke Berkowitz each have three goals, and Patrzyk also leads in assists. Madeline Martin in goal has achieved a save percentage of .854, having made 41 saves so far.
Historically, this will be the first meeting between UChicago and John Carroll. Interestingly, the Maroons have only faced four teams from the North Coast Athletic Conference (NCAC) since 2014.
As the Maroons gear up for their homecoming and UAA play, it’s clear they’re entering the next phase of the season with strong momentum. With both teams eager for victory, fans can expect an exciting match ahead.
Source link