The New York University women's soccer team's superb season came to a sudden end as the Violets fell to the University of Rochester Yellowjackets 2-1 in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Division III Tournament on Saturday, November 18, in Rochester, NY.
The #16-ranked Violets went up against undefeated #6 Rochester on their home field and gave it everything they had.
The Yellowjackets (15-0-5) and Violets (14-3-2) had met earlier in the season, a game which ended in a 0-0 draw. This was NYU's first time appearing in the Sweet Sixteen since 2002.
The first half of Saturday's match saw Rochester strike first. Within the 19th minute, Claire Grover, assisted by a through-ball from Mia Mcginity, put one between NYU keeper Tyler Hawkins and the low left post from 13 yards out.
NYU maintained possession most of the time in the first half, taking five shots and four corner kicks, but was still unable to put it in the back of the net.
Entering the second half down by one, NYU's Makenzie Rodrigues attempted to tie it up with a shot on goal but was thwarted by Grace Kuropatkin's save.
"They defended in numbers. They're disciplined. They did a good job against us," said NYU Head Coach Scott Waddell.
Rochester increased its lead halfway through the second due to a free kick awarded to the Yellowjackets. From 25 yards out, Grace Reigenstierf curved a shot towards the net that snuck in between the hands of Hawkins and rolled in for the eventual game-winning goal.
"We were executing our game plan. We're confident in our play and didn't change too much to adapt to our opponent,"said NYU senior captain Gabriella Funk. "They came out with the win, but I think both teams worked hard and are great."
NYU kept its hopes alive as graduate defender Riley Mullady, off a free-kick just outside the box, slipped one past the free-kick wall and scored in the lower left of the net.
However, NYU could not score after that, taking five shots in the second half, four of them on goal.
"We went out and gave it our all," said senior captain Catie Collins. "We're playing teams that are peaking now. But, no matter who we were playing, we were going to go out and give it everything we had."
NYU had one last chance within the 90th minute, as the Violets had a desperation corner kick that could have tied the match but instead was pulled down by the Yellowjacket keeper
"We played well. It was a good game. Unfortunately, we came out on the losing side. But I'm very proud of the team." Waddell added.
While the 2023 season is over, the team's legacy will continue in the program's history books, as numerous team records were set: goals in a season (71), goals per game (3.74), assists (49), assists per game (2.57), shots (393), and shots per game (20.7).
On the individual level, Funk had the most assists (11) and points (35) in a season. She also set records for all-time assists (24) and points (82), with her 29 career goals just a mere three away from tying the program's record. Senior Kelli Keady tied for most goals in a season with 14.
"I was fortunate to coach this group," concluded Waddell, in his first season at the helm. "It was a great season and I look forward to future success, as well."
