From University of Chicago Athletics
The University of Chicago women's soccer team turned up the pressure in the second half and broke through in the final 10 minutes to defeat University of Rochester 1-0 on Saturday.
The No. 6-ranked Maroons (10-1, 1-1 UAA) have won all six of their home games by an aggregate score of 25-1. The Yellowjackets dropped to 2-5-4 overall and 1-1 in the University Athletic Association (UAA).
Rochester was game for a battle and went toe-to-toe with UChicago offensively in the first half. Possession varied back and forth, and the first half wrapped up with zeros on the scoreboard.
However, once the second half began, the Maroons found their pace and attacked with purpose. The home team earned a bevy of corner kicks, with 10 in the second half and 16 overall in the match. UChicago also took 15 shots in the final 45 minutes. Rochester's defense remained unbroken all the way until the 80th minute.
The Maroons earned a throw-in along the right sideline in the attacking third. Two touch passes found their way to the foot of freshman defender Clare Suter, who launched a long cross directly into the middle of the goalie box. While the ball traveled in the air, freshman midfielder Rachel Dias made a quick double move on her marking defender and created an opening for her right foot to smack a one-timer past the goalie. Junior forward Caroline Olivero also assisted on the play.
The last chance for the Yellowjackets came in the 86th minute, but freshman goalkeeper Katie Donovan snagged the ball and UChicago came away with the conference victory.
Donovan (10-1) made four saves for her sixth shutout of the season. All told, UChicago outshot Rochester 21-6 with a 16-3 advantage in corner kicks.