SWARTHMORE, Pa. – The No. 13 Swarthmore College women's soccer team battled against No. 19 Johns Hopkins University but a late goal by the Blue Jays gave them a 2-1 win and the Centennial Conference Championship on Sunday afternoon at Clothier Field Stadium.
Hopkins controlled play throughout the contest, holding the ball 58 percent of the time, and the Blue Jays netted the opening goal in the 23
rd minute. The Garnet started the second half strong and
Jordan Vrees scored the tying tally just under four minutes into the period. The teams looked destined for overtime but Hopkins had other plans, firing in the game-winning goal with 2:02 left in regulation.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- The Blue Jays got off to a stellar start in the opening half, peppering Swarthmore goalkeeper
Dahlia Bedward with five shots in the first 12 minutes but the senior was able to make the stop every time.
- The Hopkins defense thwarted the Garnet attack throughout the first half, keeping Swarthmore to the outside and not allowing a shot during the frame. The Blue Jays scored the lone goal of the period in the 23
rd minute and led 1-0 at the break.
- The Garnet looked like a different team to start the second half, generating more pressure and getting into the dangerous areas of the Hopkins end. Swarthmore's effort paid off in the 49
th minute as the Garnet produced the equalizer.
Sydney Ross dribbled into the box and ricocheted a shot off a defender. The blocked shot went right to Vrees, who beat the goalkeeper high to bring Swarthmore level.
- After coming in for the second half, Garnet goalie
Lila Travers showed off her prowess in the 53
rd minute on a flurry of chances by the Blue Jays. Hopkins fired off three shots in rapid succession and Travers was able to come up with two saves.
Aminah Evans also helped out her goalkeeper with a defensive stop during the sequence and the score remained tied.
- The Blue Jays started to build momentum again late in the half. Travers recorded two more saves in the 85
th and 86
th minutes but Hopkins broke through for the game-winner in the 88
th minute. A Blue Jays forward dribbled down the right side with speed and rocketed a shot into the upper left corner to put her team ahead 2-1. Swarthmore was unable to put an attempt on goal in the final two minutes.
GARNET LEADERS
Goals: Vrees 1
Assists: Ross 1
Saves: Bedward 8, Travers 4
UP NEXT
The Garnet (14-3-3) look to receive an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. The selection show is scheduled for Monday at 11 a.m.
