From University of Chicago Athletics
After a six-day hiatus, a 43rd minute goal from junior midfielder Sophia Kim served as the game's lone score in Friday's University of Chicago women's soccer 1-0 victory at No. 10-ranked Brandeis University.
The Maroons (9-4-0 overall, 2-1-0 UAA) and the Judges (11-2-1, 1-2-0 UAA) played 90 minutes of competitive, physical soccer. UChicago narrowly outshot Brandeis 12-10 while the hosts had more looks on goal (7-6). The Maroons created five corner kicks while the Judges created three.
Both UChicago and Brandeis played similar brands of soccer, dropping back numerous defenders while relying on quick passing, through balls, counter attacks and set pieces to generate chances. The Maroons and the Judges defended expertly and neither team created looks that came close to being scored for much of the first half of soccer.
However, at the 42:10 mark, Kim broke open the scoring with a right-footed far post volley from the right side of the box. Sophomore Mia Calamari assisted on the play for her 11th assist of the season.
Calamari demonstrated all afternoon that she stacks up against the best in the country for NCAA Division III. Against a ranked opponent with a stingy defense, she still looked dynamic, shielding the ball before turning around explosively to create numerous chances for the Maroons.
Freshman midfielder Jenna McKinney impressed against the afternoon's talented opponent. She had defenders on their heels, attacking with her speed and footwork. On one occasion, she anticipated a throw in and jumped the route to intercept the ball; shortly after she was back pushing the ball into Judge territory.
The Maroons worked in a bevy of substitutes, ensuring that everyone stayed fresh for 90 minutes of soccer. They continued to defend well throughout the second half and did not allow the Judges to score.
Freshman goalie Piper Mik improved to 9-4-0 on the year while notching seven more saves. Her sixth shutout lowered her goals against average to 0.72 on the season.