Two shots reflected the tight margin of difference between Washington University and California Lutheran in Saturday’s NCAA Division III women’s soccer championship game.
The Bears had one of their shots in the second half smack off the crossbar and ricochet out of harm’s way for goalkeeper Kelsey Slaugh.
When Cal Lutheran’s Isabella Veljacic hit the crossbar in the first half, the ball struck the underside, pinged WashU goalkeeper Sidney Conner in the back and bounced into the goal for the difference in the 1-0 game in Salem, Va.
“I thought we were going to get one, and even when they scored I wasn’t too worried,†WashU coach Jim Conlon said. “We have the offensive power to get it, but when it’s 1-0 and you’re chasing a game it allows the other team to shrink and protect. We had some chances, and that was the mentality in the second half.â€
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The Bears (17-2-4) were without Gaelen Clayton, their second-leading goal scorer, after she suffered a broken collarbone Thursday in a semifinal victory against Wisconsin-La Crosse.
WashU was playing in its fourth national title game — all since 2009 — and first since 2016, when it won its only championship.
Shots were at a minimum with Cal Lutheran getting four on goal and WashU thre. The Bears had an 8-4 advantage on corner kicks.
Conlon’s team reached the championship game on a couple of close calls, winning in the national quarterfinals and semifinals on penalty kicks.
Saturday’s game was the third time this season the Bears were held without a goal, with the previous two ending in scoreless draws.
The Bears opened the season with 15 consecutive shutouts and reached a No. 1 ranking in the country. from the United Soccer Coaches.
“I thought our journey was a complete upward trend the entire time,†Conlon said. “We were absolutely playing better each day, each week. I don’t think we stalled out at any point.â€
WashU is slated to return 25 of 33 players next season. All of the team’s seniors have an additional year of eligibility but have decided not to use them, Conlon said.