Emotional Rollercoaster: Carleton Knights’ Heroic Soccer Journey Ends in Penalty Shootout
Well, folks, strap yourselves in and hold on tight! The Carleton College women’s soccer team just took us on a rollercoaster ride of pure nail-biting drama that ended in a thrilling crescendo of penalties – or should I say, a crescendo that left them singing “You’ve Got a Friend in Me,” but only from a distance!
In the latest NCAA tournament faceoff, our gallant Knights took on the Loras College Duhawks, who apparently arrived with a defense so tight, if they wore socks, they’d be in danger of being diagnosed with a case of “too many saves.” I mean, 0.15 goals allowed per game? That’s not just a good defense; that’s basically a Fort Knox for goals!
So Close, Yet So Far
Despite the Duhawks holding strong to their raucous 20-win record (and only one draw – the math is fuzzy because it’s early morning), Carleton demonstrated some serious hustle. The Knights managed to whip up an impressive display of skill, prompting halftime audiences to ponder: “Did someone inject some caffeine into their Gatorade?”
Our hearts nearly stopped when Carleton’s Kathryn Kresse, with the grace of a gazelle on roller skates, docu-mentarily created a miracle in the 35th minute. A chip shot soared above Loras’ goalkeeper—time momentarily froze as it clinked off the crossbar, bouncing back like it just realized it had forgotten its wallet!
All Defenses Go!
The second half felt like a tactical chess match, only with less smoking pipes and more kicking and screaming. Carleton was trying to crack open the well-oiled defensive machine of Loras, only to find it was more stubborn than a child refusing to eat broccoli.
Undeterred by the shutout, Carleton’s goalkeeper Avery Trapp kept pulling rabbits out of hats, with an astounding 13 saves! This kid made more saves than an overzealous librarian during a massive library clearance sale! And when the game had slipped into overtime, you could practically hear the nervous laughter of spectators as attempts to score evaporated like a politician’s promises.
Pens & Pains
And then came the dreaded penalty shootout. A tradition as old as time—a bit like your Uncle Bob’s magic tricks that always go wrong at family gatherings. It began with Sierra Morgano hitting the post, as if she was just practicing her “Hit the Bar Challenge!” But then, the Knights scored the first penalty, prompting thoughts of second chances—before spiraling into uncertainty and a rapidly deflating balloon of emotion.
In a tense and gripping showdown, ultimately, Loras triumphed, and Carleton watched their hopes flutter away like confetti in a gust of wind after a particularly intense birthday party. The score showed 4-2 in penalties, wrapping up the season in a way that felt like watching the last episode of a favorite series; you know it’s coming, but you’re still not emotionally prepared.
The Bright Side of the Darkness
Here’s the kicker, though: while Carleton may have been knocked out of the tournament, they can take pride in arguably one of their best seasons to date, tying for the fourth-most wins in program history with 14! And don’t forget, they’ll return 9 out of 11 starters next season. That’s right; they’re not going anywhere! They’re just in the penalty box for a quick breather … if only to lick their wounds and plot their return like a well-oiled comeback team.
In conclusion, let’s raise a glass to the Knights: a team with heart, skill, and a spirit that’s as fierce as a lion on espresso. May they return even stronger, sharper, and perhaps with a small sign above their coach that reads, “No Pressure, Just Goals, Please!”
So what have we learned? Soccer may be just a game, but the emotional stakes? They’re as high as a giraffe on a trampoline! Bravo, Carleton, we’re all rooting for you in the next chapter!
DUBUQUE, Iowa – In a gripping NCAA tournament match, the Carleton College women’s soccer team faced a heartbreaking elimination as they battled the no. 2-ranked Loras College Duhawks. After a tense 0-0 draw that extended into a penalty shootout, Carleton ultimately fell 4-2.
Loras, boasting an impressive record of 20 wins, no losses, and 1 draw, stood strong as the second-ranked team nationally in both the NCAA’s NPI rankings and the United Soccer Coaches rankings, where they were positioned at no. 11. The Duhawks showcased their formidable offense and defense throughout the season, yielding just 0.15 goals per game, while taking an impressive average of 24.1 shots per match, culminating in 3.05 goals scored per game. This match marked the first occasion this season that the Duhawks faced a shutout.
Carleton, recorded at no. 25 in the United Soccer Coaches rankings and no. 31 in the NPI formula, entered the match with a respectable overall record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 7 draws. The Knights excelled in their conference, leading with an impressive average of 2.3 goals scored per game, and maintaining a strong defensive record with only 0.63 goals allowed per game.
Just moments into the match, Loras threatened to grab an early lead with a long ball that was expertly flicked past the Carleton defense by Savannah Johnson. However, All-MIAC defender Zaraya Jordan sprinted back with urgency to clear the ball off the goal line, preventing an almost certain goal. The first half saw a series of back-and-forth exchanges, as Loras maintained an aggressive high press while the Knights sought to exploit openings with their quick and effective passing.
Carleton began to gain momentum towards the end of the half, highlighted by a golden opportunity in the 35th minute when Kathryn Kresse unleashed a chip shot that sailed over the Loras goalkeeper but cruelly struck the crossbar, with a follow-up shot being blocked. Subsequently, in the 40th minute, Johnson seized a loose ball in the box, but a brilliant reflex save by Avery Trapp thwarted Loras’ efforts.
In a dominant display, the Duhawks effectively neutralized Carleton’s typically potent offense during the second half, preventing any shots on goal from the Knights. Loras managed five shots on goal, with all being confidently handled by a resilient Trapp. The Duhawks even came close to capitalizing on a corner kick in the 88th minute, only to see their hopes dashed as the ball struck the post.
As the first overtime period commenced, Carleton increased their offensive efforts, and Kresse had another crucial chance with a shot that narrowly missed the target, rolling just inches wide of the post. Loras responded with two solid attempts on goal in the second overtime, both saved by Trapp, ultimately leading to a nail-biting penalty shootout for the second straight game.
In the shootout, Sierra Morgano’s opening kick struck the post. However, Piper Dean successfully converted her attempt, giving the Knights a brief 1-0 advantage. Emerson Gasmann equalized in the shootout, but Kresse’s shot was saved by Kyndal Kells, allowing Johnson to convert her spot-kick, putting Loras ahead 2-1. Lily Shure then missed her first opportunity as a substitute. Isabel Russmann added to Loras’s lead with a low shot to make it 3-1. Thea Traw managed to convert her penalty, but Reagan Lindsay clinched the victory for Loras with a decisive finish.
Loras unleashed a total of 24 shots throughout the match, with 13 on target, while Carleton mustered only four attempts, with just one reaching the goal. The Duhawks cornered the market on set pieces, with an 8-2 advantage in corner kicks over the Knights.
Trapp’s remarkable performance, highlighted by her 13 saves, marked a career high and illustrated her growth as a goalkeeper, tying her for the 10th-most saves in a single game in Carleton’s storied history. This season marked a successful chapter for Carleton, achieving their fourth-best win record with 14 victories. While the Knights will return 9 of their 11 starters next season, they must bid farewell to a talented senior class that includes 2023 All-American Piper Dean and her dependable defensive partner Thea Traw, both instrumental in their team’s strategy, playing every minute of the match. This senior class finished their careers with an outstanding record of 50 wins, 13 losses, and 15 draws, further solidifying their legacy in the program’s history.
Most Wins in Program History
18-6-0 (.750) — in 2008
16-3-2 (.809) — in 2023
15-3-2 (.800) — in 2010
14-3-0 (.824) — in 1982
14-2-7 (.769) — in 2024
13-5-0 (.722) — in 2007
13-2-3 (.806) — in 2022
Best Four-Year Winning Percentages (Non-Overlapping) in Program History
.737 (50-13-15) — 2021 thru 2024
.717 (56-20-7) — 2007 thru 2010
.683 (43-18-7) — 1981 thru 1984
.641 (41-22-4) — 1998 thru 2001
What were the key factors that contributed to Carleton’s resilience in their match against Loras?
Hts.
The match illustrated the intense battle between two well-matched teams, with Carleton showing remarkable resilience despite the daunting prowess of Loras. Their strong performance throughout the season solidifies the foundation for future growth, with the team’s core players returning next year, ready to build on their success.
As they look toward the future, there’s a palpable sense of excitement around what the upcoming season will bring for the Knights. The lessons learned in this fiercely contested match will surely be invaluable as they prepare to take on new challenges. Carleton’s commitment to developing its players and enhancing its tactical approaches promises an ambitious comeback.
So here’s to resilience, teamwork, and the thrilling unpredictability of sports! The Knights may have faced a setback, but with their sheer grit and determination, they’re primed to transform that pain into motivation for next season. Let the countdown to their return begin!