WALTHAM, Mass. – The Brandeis University women's soccer team played even with fourth-ranked Washington University this afternoon for 88 minutes, but the Bears scored a late goal with less than 90 seconds left in regulation to defeat the Judges, 1-0, in a University Athletic Association (UAA) contest on Gordon Field today. Brandeis falls to 9-5 overall, 1-3 in the UAA, while Washington U. improves to 13-1-1, 4-0 UAA.
In a back-and-forth first half, both goalkeepers were called on to make outstanding saves. Brandeis senior Victoria Richardson (Tolland, Conn./Tolland) made a great diving save on the Bears' Erin Flynn in the 28th minute. In the 44th minute, Washington U. junior Emma Greenfield denied a header from Brandeis senior Emma Spector (Needham, Mass./Needham) on a beautifully delivered service from senior Kerin Miller (Marlboro, N.J./Marlboro).
Both teams had a chance early in the second, but Richardson stoned WashU's Ellie Moreland in the 48th minute, followed by Emily Kaufman in the 49th. Brandeis's Makenna Hunt (Tyngsboro, Mass./Tyngsboro) shot wide on a counter-attack after that effort. The visitors were able to increase their pressure in the final 10 minutes, and it finally paid off. After Richardson punched a shot by Kally Wendler over the touch-line, WashU capitalized on the ensuing corner kick. Gabby Cesarone hit the crossbar with the initial shot, but the rebound went to Ellie DeConinck, who buried her sixth goal of the season with just 89 seconds left in regulation. Brandeis's Daria Bakhtiari (Wilmington, Mass./Catholic Central) had a decent look in the final minute but sent the ball high over the net to secure the win for the visitors.
The final shots favored WashU, 20-14, including 11-8 in shots on goal. Richardson established a new career-high with 10 saves in the losing effort, while Greenfield had eight shots for the shutout. The Bears had seven corner kicks to four for the Judges
The final was reminiscent of last season in St. Louis when Washington U. scored in the final minute of regulation to secure the win.
Brandeis steps out of conference for their next game on Saturday, October 26th, at Eastern Connecticut State University at 1 p.m. Washington University plays host to Carnegie Mellon on November 1 at 5:30 p.m.