PASADENA, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2022) – The Caltech women's soccer program hosted the Athenas of Claremont-Mudd-Scripps Colleges in a SCIAC matchup on Tuesday, playing with a few regulars under the weather.  But making no excuses, Coach Jen Clark fielded a spirited 11 that gave CMS everything they wanted, as the Beavers were a crossbar away from tying the match deep into the second half, narrowly being defeated 0-1 on a warm, early Fall afternoon.  Conceding the possession advantage, Caltech played much of the match with 11 in their defensive half of the field and picking smart and opportune times to send a long ball through and making a great effort to get on the other end of it.  In the end, both teams played hard, with the only goal coming from a corner kick at 26:13 of the first half that was headed in by the Athenas, narrowly escaping the outstretched hand of the Beavers' keeper.  
 
Quick Shots
-Final Score: Caltech 0, CMS 1.
-Location: North Field, Caltech
-Records: Caltech 3-8-4, 1-8-1 SCIAC, CMS 6-5-4, 4-2-3 SCIAC
 
Critical Moment
-Just over six minutes into the second half, senior defender Catherine Kauber (Pleasantville, N.Y. / Pleasantville) had a great opportunity in the middle of the field from just outside the penalty area when she intercepted a pass and took a crack on goal.  Her incredibly well struck left footed shot grazed off of the fingertips of the CMS goalkeeper before ramming off the crossbar where the Athenas were able to turn aside the threat by temporarily clearing the area.  The near miss would have tied the game and perhaps given the Beavers a draw that they richly deserved or inspired them to push forward and collect the full three points.  
 
Key Beavers
- Kathryn Thompson (Roseville, Cailf. / Granite Bay) By almost any measure, she was the woman of the match for the Beavers.  Whether disrupting the Athenas attack with great anticipation or simply being stronger on the ball when tackling the advancing CMS players, Thompson was first to the ball all afternoon, providing the perfect blend of grit and intellect that kept the Beavers squarely in the match.
- Jennifer Solgaard (Palo Alto, Calif. / Palo Alto). While her best chance of the afternoon was a well struck low shot that the CMS keeper was able to turn away in minute 66, the Beavers got a second chance on the rebound, it was her overall hustle, chase efforts and holding the ball that impressed on Tuesday. By far the most dangerous offensive player for the Beavers this season, she remains one goal short of becoming the program's all-time single season goal leader. 
- Mia Gallo (Highlands Ranch, Colo. / Highlands Ranch).  Continuing the tremendous work she's done in midfield, she thwarted multiple pass attempts as the Athenas looked to breakdown Caltech.  Her stout play and great decision making as to when to lay the ball off to an advancing teammate or play the ball back into the CMS end was impressive.

Game Insight
"I could not be prouder of the effort our entire team gave today," Head Coach Jen Clark said.  "We asked them to play a configuration that was a bit more defensive minded today, and they were disciplined and focused for the entire 90 minutes.  While our goalkeepers made smart decisions when to come off their line to diffuse several situations, the organization and communication across the midfield and back line was spectacular.  So happy for the fight our group continues to show, no matter the circumstances they face."
 
Notes
- Over the first 10 SCIAC matches of the 2022 season, the team has yielded, on average, only 1.70 goals per game, down considerably from the 3.92 Goals Against average in conference from just last year.
- The trio of Caltech goalkeepers faced 15 shots on the afternoon, with seven of them being on frame and forcing six saves.  Four of the five shots the Beavers took were in the second half as they looked to equalize, with three of the four in the second 45 minutes being saved by the Athenas' keeper.

Up Next
The Beavers play at 2 p.m. at home as part of Caltech Athletics Fall Orange Out and Homecoming celebration on Saturday, October 22.  They welcome the Panthers of Chapman University as part of a soccer doubleheader as the men's program also hosts Chapman at 11 a.m.