The Goshen College women’s soccer season came to an end last Saturday, as the Maple Leafs fell, 4-0, to No. 2 Marian in the Crossroads League tournament quarterfinals.
After losing to Marian 6-0 just two weeks prior, the Leafs came into the matchup knowing it would be a long road to a win — and the undefeated Knights had no problem breezing past the Maple Leafs once again, as Naomi Walters gathered a hat trick in the opening half-hour. Marian added a penalty kick in the 75th minute, and the Knights now face Taylor in the semifinals.The Leafs ended their season 5-12-1, with a Crossroads League record of 2-7. Roughly on par with their records from the past few years, their winning percentage of .306 belies their level of play thanks to the strength of the conference.
For some context, the Leafs beat the Pittsburgh school Point Park University 2-0 early in the season. Point Park then went undefeated in conference play in the River States Conference.
“We will all take what we learned this year, get better and be ready to go in 2023,” said head coach Justin Crew. “We took some steps forward again…the sky is the limit for this group.”
The seniors on the team “will really be missed,” Crew said. “I am so proud of them and I am excited to see all the great things they are going to accomplish, but I also wish I could keep them on the team.”
Likewise, the seniors will miss the team. “[The team] taught me to be open minded and understanding when approaching playing styles, as well as other life experiences,” said senior Anne Nisley.
“I love this team,” Crew said. “It is a special, special group.”
