WHITEWATER, Wis. – Playing in its first NCAA Tournament since 2021, the No. 12 Washington University in St. Louis men's soccer team did not disappoint its fans as the Bears advanced to the second round after going to PKs with Wis.-Whitewater.
WashU and the regional host Warhawks played through 110 minutes of scoreless play before the contest was sent to PKs.
The first 90 minutes of action saw a nearly equal box score from both sides of the pitch. The Bears finished regulation with eight shots to seven for UWW. The Warhawks had the edge in saves 5-3, but WashU led in corner kicks by an identical 5-3 mark.
As the teams remained scoreless after the first 90 minutes, NCAA postseason rules have the teams play a pair of two-10-minute periods. As of 2024, the "golden goal" rule returned to post season play. So if a team scores at any point in the first OT period, the game immeditately ends. If neither team scores, the second OT period is played under the same premise. If the teams remain tied at that point, the contest is an official draw, but to see which team advances to the next round, the game is sent to penalty kicks.
Junior
Ethan Wirtschafter started off for WashU and was able to give the Bears a 1-0 advantage. The Warhawks answered with their own PK on their first attempt, tying the PK score at 1-1.
Both teams missed their second chance before junior
James Whitehurst, who scored the lone goal in the UAA championship game last Saturday, made the third attempt by the Bears. UWW missed its own third attempt.
Each team would have two more chances; however, both would once again miss their fourth attempt.
Senior
Zach Susee stepped up for the Bears' final attempt with a chance to secure the win with a goal, and he did just that to send WashU to the NCAA Tournament second round as the Bears advance on PKs 3-1.
First-year
Sebastian Valdes led all with four shots, including a pair on goal. Junior
Cal L'Hommedieu played all 110:00 minutes in goal, making a pair of saves.
WashU will have a familiar face in the second round as the Bears take on No. 3 Chicago on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. WashU defeated the Maroons last Saturday 1-0, playing a man down for 74 minutes, to claim the 2025 UAA title. This time the teams are fighting for a spot in the sectional round of the NCAA Tournament.
-------
Elevating scholar-champions requires resources beyond the institutional budget. Through the W Club, generous alumni, parents, and friends provide unrestricted support that is essential to the extraordinary WashU student-athlete experience—and the ongoing growth and development of the department. Annual support for Athletics allows the Bears to consistently rise to national levels of competition and ensures that our student-athletes enjoy exceptional opportunities as they train, compete, and lead. To make a gift to the Annual Fund for Athletics, please visit our secure online giving form or contact the Athletics Advancement Office at athletics@wustl.edu.
