The Brandeis Judges Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams flew to the Midwest to play the University of Chicago and Washington University in St. Louis. Two University Athletic Association games were up for grabs as both the men’s and women’s soccer teams faced top 25 ranked teams. The women’s team faced the #9 University of Chicago and #3 Washington University teams, coming in with a record 5-3-2 and 0-2 UAA. On the other hand, the men’s team with a record of 3-6-2, 0-1-1 UAA faced the #16 University of Chicago and #9 Washington University teams. 

Women’s Soccer

Judges 3, Marrons 2

On the road first at Chicago, the women’s soccer team knocked out the University of Chicago Maroons’ undefeated record and their first loss of the season. Despite being outshot by the Maroons 3-1, the Judges held on and capitalized on their chances to put the game away. Beating the Maroons put the Judges up to 6-3-2 overall and 1-2 UAA. The Maroons fell to 10-1-2 and 1-1-1 in the UAA.

Taking control of the game early in the first half, senior Juliette Carreiro ’22 was able to put a chip shot away for the first goal. In the 8th minute, she scored her fourth goal of the season. The Maroons had only allowed four goals scored so far and Carreiro’s was the fifth for what had been a very defensive season. Later in the half, the Maroons scored a goal back in the 32nd minute with a quick pass combination that found the back of the net. The Judges were unable to score for the rest of the half, but they held the Maroons to 1-1 for the half. 

In the second half, the Maroons started the half off strong with a goal in the 56th minute. Putting the ball away in an empty goal due to a defensive mistake, the Maroons gained a 2-1 lead. However, the Judges bounced back right away and scored a goal merely 81 seconds later. Off a cross from Carreiro, Caroline Swan ’23 scored her first goal of the season and gave Carreiro her sixth assist of the season. Later in the game, the Judges scored their game-winner in the 76th minute. This time it was Yasla Ngoma ’24 who passed it to Daria Bakhtiari ’22 to put away a long shot over the goalie’s arms. With her fifth goal of the season and Ngoma’s second assist, the Judges were able to hold onto the game and secure the win. In the last minutes of the game, Chicago had a free-kick about 35 yards out that was knocked out by Hannah Bassan ’25 just over the crossbar. 

Bears 2, Judges 1

After flying to the University of Chicago, the Judges made their way to St. Louis to face the Washington University Bears for another UAA game. Although able to score, they were unable to equalize and fell to the Bears 1-2. With the loss, the Judges fell to 6-4-2, 1-3-0 UAA and the Bears improved to 11-0-1 and 4-0 UAA. 

With an even and defensive first half, the Judges and Bears were close in attempts. Putting three shots on goal compared to the Bears’ four, the Judges were able to keep the Bears on their toes. However, in the second half, the Bears were able to put a goal in. In the 66th minute, the opponent put a goal away after a corner kick scramble. Minutes later, a second goal was scored and ended up ensuring the win for the Bears. Off a short free-kick, Erin Flynn was able to blast one in for the second time that day. 

The Judges answered back with a goal in the 79th minute, as sophomore Sydney Lenhart ’24 was able to drive a goal in off a header from Ngoma. With Lenhart’s third goal of the season and Ngoma’s third assist, it gave the Judges the chance to equalize the game. Unfortunately, they were unable to get the second needed goal and the Bears secured the win. Outshooting the Judges 13-6, the Bears had the chances with four corner kicks to two, as well. 

Men’s Soccer

Judges 1, Maroons 0 

Taking their first UAA win for the season and upsetting the Maroons, the Judges improved their record to 1-1-1 UAA and 4-6-2 overall. Conceding the last-minute goal, the Maroons fell to 8-4-1, 1-2-0 UAA. The Maroons were unable to put away their numerous opportunities as they outshot the Judges, 19-9 and had 12 corner kicks to 0. 

With Chicago controlling most of the game, they proved the simple reminder that it only takes one. With a costly mistake, the Maroons slipped up on clearing the ball out of the back. Off of a pass, the ball went right to sophomore Max Horowitz in front of the goal. With only the keeper at sight, Horowitz bent a clean shot to the upper-right corner in the last two minutes of the game to secure the game. 

Junior goalie Aiden Guthro ’23 was able to keep his clean sheet and record his fourth shutout of the season. With five saves for the game, the Maroons were denied their attempts to overtake the Judges. The win marked only the second time the Judges were able to shut out the Maroons on home turf and the first win since 2002 for the Judges against them. 

Bears 2, Judges 0

The Judges fell to the Bears after missing some crucial opportunities and playing tough defense for the first half. With this defeat, the Judges fell to 4-7-2 overall and 1-2-1 in the UAA. On the other hand, the Bears improved to 8-2-1 and 2-1-1 UAA. 

Playing a very defensive first half, the Bears kept the Judges on their toes and outshot them 8-5. However, there was a chance in the 39th minute when first-year Eli Mones ’25 offed a rebound from fellow rookie Gabriel Haithcock ’25 had a shot on goal. Unfortunately, a defender was able to clear it off the line and deny the Judges a goal. 

In the second half, the Bears were able to break the scoreless game and fired one into the net. The Judges shot right back with the WashU goalie making crucial saves off shots from first-year John Loo ’25 and junior Forest Shimazu ’23. Yet, the Bears were able to finish off the game and ensure their win with a goal in the 86th minute  Overall, the Judges were able to keep up with the Bears and matched them with 11 shots each. 

Upcoming Schedule

The women’s team will be back with two non-conference games, one at home and one away. On Wednesday, Oct. 20, the Judges face Bridgewater State University at 7 p.m. The following Saturday, Oct. 23, they face Springfield College away at 1 p.m. With a bit of a break, the men’s team will face the #15 Emory University on Friday, Oct. 29, at 7:30 p.m.