Posted: Oct 29, 2017
WALTHAM, Mass. – A goal with just over 10 minutes left in regulation was the difference today as the University of Chicago men's soccer team took a 1-0 decision from Brandeis University in a matchup of two of the top three teams in the University Athletic Association. With the loss, the Judges fall to 12-4 overall and 4-2 in the UAA. Chicago improves to 15-2, 5-1 UAA, and control their own destiny for a second-straight conference title.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Chicago owned an 8-6 shot advantage in the first half, but the Judges had the best attempt to score in the 38th minute, when UC rookie Aaron Katsimpalis (Harrison Township, Mich. / L'Anse Creuse) made a save on Judge senior Marino Espiga (Winchester, Mass./Winchester) and junior Andrew Allen (Norfolk, Mass./King Phillip Regional) had his follow-up blocked by the Maroon defense.
- Katsimpalis made a save on a Josh Ocel (No. Attleboro, Mass./Worcester Academy) free kick early in the second half, and Brandeis sophomore Greg Irwin (Passaic, N.J/Seton Hall Prep) answered with a save five minutes later.
- The keepers denied a series of well-struck headers throughout the middle part of the period.
- Chicago finally broke through in the 80th minute.
- A failed clearing attempt by the Brandeis defense was carried in on net by sophomore forward Dayo Adeosun (New York, N.Y. / Poly Prep).
- Irwin made the initial save, but rookie Carter Romero (Austin, Texas/Vista Ridge) was there to bury the rebound for what proved to be his second game-winning goal of the weekend.
- The Judges got off one more shot, a high blast from sophomore Jake Warren (Medway, Mass./Medway) in the 84th minute, but they were unable to force a deadlock.
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE
- Chicago outshot Brandeis, 18-9, including 10-3 in the second half. The Maroons also had an 8-5 edge in corner kicks.
- Irwin made four saves, but suffered his first loss against three wins this season.
- Katsimpalis made three stops for his second shutout of the season.
- Brandeis suffered its first home loss of the season, falling to 7-1.
UP NEXT
- Brandeis closes out the UAA season next Saturday at noon against their conference rivals from NYU. They Judges will celebrate Senior Day before the contest.
- Chicago will take on foe Washington University at the same time needing a win to clinch the UAA title and the league's automatic berth to the NCAA tournament.