Box Score St. Louis, Mo., Nov. 3, 2018 – The Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team suffered a 3-1 loss to No. 4-ranked University of Chicago Saturday in the season finale at Francis Field in St. Louis.
Chicago improved to 15-2-1 and 6-1 in the conference and claimed its third-straight University Athletic Association (UAA) title, while WashU dropped to 7-7-2 and 3-2-2 in the league.
WashU had the early advantage in the opening 10 minutes of play recording the first two shots of the game. Senior Ryan Sproule nearly scored at 34:04 when his header was punched over the bar by Chicago goalkeeper Aaron Katsimpalis.
Chicago had the 7-3 shot advantage in the opening half, as WashU junior goalkeeper Connor Mathes had four saves.
The Maroons took the 1-0 lead after Max Lopez scored off a long cross at 49:41, but Sproule answered right back with a goal in the 64thminute to tie the score.
Senior Ben Strozewski made a nice run down the right side and sent a long cross that went off Sproule's shoulder into the back of the net. The goal for Sproule was his team-leading 10thof the season.
Chicago scored a pair of goals in a span of 1:41 to take the lead for good. Matthew Koh netted his 14thgoal of the season off a free kick at 75:45, and then Kyle Ruark found the back of the net at 77:26 for the insurance goal.
Mathes (5-5-2) made four saves and suffered the loss in goal. Chicago outshot WashU 14-5 and the Bears had the 3-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The 2018 NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Selection show is set for Monday, Nov. 5, at Noon (CT).
BEAR NOTEBOOK: WashU leads the all-time series with Chicago, 25-11-3, but the Maroons are riding a five-game unbeaten streak against the Bears… WashU finished the season 5-1-1 at home … Perez started the 54thstraight game of his career … Sproule's goal was the 31stof his career, 10thmost in school history.
