Bair Shines in Tough Playoff Loss

By Campbell Lawler and Jack Carrigan

AUR Wolves 3, Link Erasmus 7

The AUR Women’s Soccer Team fell short in its playoff opener against Erasmus despite a personal hat-trick from Greta Bair. She scored all three goals for the Wolves but Eramus proved too strong, pumping out a 3-7 ending score. This game was highly anticipated, because Erasmus is a powerhouse team of the league, ranked first in

the regular season. The Wolves also had a target on their back, coming off a complete season turnaround and finishing the regular season on a high note.

Coming into the match, the Wolves preparation, large roster, and variety of talent were apparent, while Erasmus relied on only five players, emphasizing their height advantage, physicality, and a select set of plays.

To start the game, both teams had plenty of opportunities to score, but neither found the goal. Greta Bair broke the deadlock with the games first goal to make it 1-0, but Erasmus quickly responded with an equalizer to make it 1-1. After Elena Delgado’s quick footwork created space, Greta Bair capitalized on the corner kick to put AUR up 2-1.

AUR goalkeeper Morgan Rademacher showed leadership on the field, taking charge of the team, communicating consistently, and making impressive saves of Erasmus’ continuous attempts. With help from defender Emma Grace Obetz, Rademacher kept a clean slate, despite more than three shots from Erasmus ricocheting off the goal posts.

Greta Bair and Mary Perkins applied pressure up front. Eventually, Bair found the back of the net, but not long after, Erasmus scored an equalizer. This was quickly followed by a Wolves timeout to recoup and regain their momentum. The whistle blew for halftime, and it was clear that the limited roster size was taking a toll on Erasmus players, as the relief of a break off the field was visible. AUR fans made their support known, with signs, shouts, and cheers, keeping the team’s spirits high.

Erasmus came out of halftime rejuvenated, kicking off the half with a banger shot in the top left corner, then a penalty kick that struck the left post, and continued applying pressure with a shot deflected into the goal, making the score 2-3. They continued their run with another goal off a corner kick; however, AUR responded with a solid

left-footed shot from Bair to make it 3-4. In the last ten minutes of the game, Erasmus put away three more goals, solidifying their 3-7 win.