CHICAGO, Ill. – The Carleton College women's soccer team saw its NCAA Tournament run conclude with a 2-1 loss at No. 7 University of Chicago in the Sectional Final ("Elite 8"). The Knights finished the season with an 18-3-3 overall record.
 
"I'm incredibly proud of this team, not only for what they've been able to accomplish and achieve this season, but more-so who they've become in the process," said Carleton head coach Jessica Mueller. "They are hardworking, resilient, team-first competitors who love the game of soccer and who love each other. These women inspire me everyday. They've set a new standard for our program and they've taken Carleton Women's Soccer to a whole new level. I'm so grateful to have been part of this team's journey, and I look forward to what's ahead. The future is bright."
 
Ranked No. 7 in the final regular season coaches' poll, Chicago (16-2-3) was No. 4 in the NCAA Power Index (NPI), while Carleton entered the NCAA Championships sitting at No. 16 in NPI.
 
Competing in the midst of fall term final exams, the Knights were on short rest after playing a double-overtime contest against Swarthmore College in the "Sweet Sixteen" on Saturday. Chicago (16-2-3) took advantage of its collective fresher legs, having played the earlier third-round game yesterday, to hold 61 percent of the possession. The Maroons took 16 shots in the game, the second-most attempts that the Carleton defense permitted this season.
 
After a scoreless opening half, during which Chicago managed only five shots, the Maroons finally cracked the Carleton defense for a goal in the 58th minute on Indira Naylor's curving shot off the bottom of the crossbar.
 
Seeking the equalizer, the Knights sent more players into the attack, which opened the door for Chicago's second goal in the 76th minute via Thara Minowada's header.
 
Carleton closed the gap with a set piece goal in the 86th minute. After an Ashlyn Haigh takeaway in the midfield, and the Knights' counterattack quickly earned a corner kick. Claire Burbery served the ball, and Lola Feurer headed it into the six-yard box. Lauren Caldwell spun and volleyed the ball into the net for her seventh goal of the season. It was Caldwell's second tally of the NCAA Tournament.
 
Avery Trapp had four saves in goal for the Knights, while Sophia Sasaki had one save for Chicago.
 
The Maroons advance to national semifinals on Dec. 4 and will face WashU (ranked No. 1 in NPI). The other Final Four matchup features (No. 2 NPI) vs. Tufts (No. 3 NPI).