The Case Western Reserve University men's soccer team's season ended in heartbreaking fashion on Sunday in the Second Round of the NCAA Division III Men's Soccer Championship following a penalty kick shootout after 1-1 tie with sixth-ranked Cortland at Holloway Field in Cortland, New York. CWRU fell in the shootout 5-3.
The Spartans end the season with a record of 10-3-4, matching their mark from last season. The Red Dragons will advance to the Round of 16 against Middlebury with a record of 16-2-3.
Case Western Reserve was making its second consecutive appearance in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in program history and fifth appearance overall. The second round is the furthest the team has advanced since its quarterfinal run in 2018 and matches the second-furthest run in program history.
After a scoreless first half, Cortland converted a penalty kick in the 59th minute to take a 1-0 lead.
The Spartans responded in the 70th minute, scoring on a set piece for the second consecutive match. Following a yellow card, the Spartans lofted a free kick into the box. The loose ball was collected by first-year midfielder Adam Pluszczyk, who shot the ball past the goalkeeper for his first collegiate score.
During a physical final 20 minutes of regulation, the Red Dragons managed just one shot. CWRU earned a corner kick in the 84th minute, but the resulting shot went wide. The team's last effort two minutes later was blocked.
Neither team attempted a shot in the first overtime period, and Case Western Reserve's lone chance in the second extra frame sailed high. With the score tied at 1 after 110 minutes, the match required a penalty kick shootout to determine an advancing team.
Cortland converted all five of their attempts to secure their berth in the next round. For the Spartans, senior midfielder Matt Vatne and senior defenders Alex Lippiatt and Josh Cook converted from the spot.
Shots were even during regulation and overtime with both sides taking 12 attempts on goal. CWRU put five shots on target compared to three for Cortland with two coming from Vatne. Sophomore goalkeeper Bradley Winter saved one shot, ending the season with a 0.58 goals against average and 0.811 save percentage.
