ST. LOUIS, MO- The #2 ranked Washington University in St. Louis used goals early in each half to help them hang on for a 4-2 victory over the University of Rochester in women's soccer action on Sunday.
The Bears (13-1, 4-0 UAA) scored within the first minute and a half of each period and used the early momentum to hold of Rochester (5-5-3, 0-2-2 UAA).
Washington's Jessica Johnson got things started just 1:23 into the game when she one-timed in a through ball from teammate Lillie Toaspern. Just over seven minutes later, Johnson made it 2-0 Wash U. with a header goal off a corner kick from Becky Berels.
The Yellowjackets, after a rough start settled in and eventually grabbed a goal in the 31st minute when senior Jessica Smith found the back of the net when she one-timed a corner kick from Emily Downie.
Entering the break, WU held an 11-3 edge in shots, but only two were on goal from each team. At the break each team had earned three corner kicks.
Just 54 seconds into the second half, Washington regained its two goal lead when Olivia Lillegraven fired a left footed shot into the right corner of the goal past UR keeper Aubrey Jaicks.
Six minutes later, Kathryn Rowe was able to pull Rochester back within one when she scored on a penalty kick goal, showing UR wasn't going to go down without a battle against the #2 team in the country.
The Bears would once again strike to get their two goal lead back getting some much needed breathing room. Washington's Toaspern scored her eighth of the year in the 75th minute, putting the game away for the home team.
In goal, UR's Jaicks made four saves in the loss while Amy French made two stops for the Bears. Washington ended up outshooting the Yellowjackets 27 to 6 while also holding an 8-4 edge in shots on goal. WU held a slim advantage in corners, earning five to UR's four.
The next game for Rochester is a tilt on Saturday against Houghton College before continuing conference play against Emory on November 1st.
