WALTHAM, MA – Senior
Claire Grover found the back of the net with under three minutes to play in regulation, lifting the #25 University of Rochester women's soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Brandeis University on Sunday afternoon at Gordon Field.
This is the Yellowjackets fourth UAA victory of the season, pushing their record to 4-1 in conference play and 11-2-2 overall. The Judges are now 6-6-2 overall and 2-3 in conference play.
Eileen Harvey and Grover both had early shot opportunities that were blocked by Brandeis defenders.
Riya Kunderan had back-to-back shot opportunities in the 22nd minute that were blocked and missed wide.
In the 26th minute of action,
Natalie Santangelo had a free kick opportunity from in front of the goal just outside the box, but this shot just missed wide left.
Rochester managed just five shots in the first 45 minutes of play, compared to Brandeis's 11 shots taken.
A bright spot for the Yellowjackets going into halftime was the stellar goalie play, highlighted by
Grace Kuropatkin's four saves in the first half of play.
The stalemate continued after halftime, with both squads trading shot opportunities, but both sides were unable to convert those into points.
The stalemate was broken in the 88th minute when Grover put Rochester on the board after a UR corner kick was unable to be cleared by the Judges defense. After an initial corner kick by Santangelo was partially cleared, the ball got sent back into the box where a scramble ensued. The loose ball found the foot of Grover, where the senior found the low left corner of the net.
This goal sealed the verdict for the Judges, solidifying Rochester's 1-0 victory over their UAA rivals. Kuropatkin kept the 'Jackets in this game with her eight total saves and adding on to her eighth shutout of the season.
The Yellowjackets only had eight total shots on the day, with one being on goal. Brandeis ended with 21 shot attempts, eight on frame in the game. Brandeis also led in corners, six to two.
The Yellowjackets continue their 2024 campaign at Fauver Stadium for Senior Day on Sunday, November 3, hosting #1 ranked Washington University in St. Louis.
