Swarthmore drops heartbreaker to Johns Hopkins in conference final

A goal with two minutes to go in the second half was a heartbreaking end to Swarthmore’s quest for their first Centennial Conference title since 2018 but the 2-1 loss Sunday afternoon to frequent nemesis Johns Hopkins didn’t mean the end of the line for a team that has been ranked nationally all season.

The Garnet (14-3-3) have the resume and a No. 20 NPI ranking to earn an at large bid into the tournament field that is slated to be announced late Monday morning. In addition to going 9-0-1 in conference play, Swarthmore had an early season marquee win over Washington & Lee and beat Johns Hopkins on the road in a come-from-behind win in late September.

They were looking to repeat the feat on Sunday afternoon after the Blue Jays took a lead in the 23rd minute on a goal from Caroline Marcus. Just after halftime Jordan Vrees leveled the score off a rebound and the rest of the second half was a back-and-forth battle for position that ultimately was won with a moment of brilliance from Maria Romo-Nichols, who had assisted on the opener, and was able to cut across the defense and bury a shot inside the far post. The pacy and crafty wide attacker had been threatening in the build-up leading up to her winner but so too were the Garnet going the other way, creating chances in the final third through combination play and dead ball chances off fouls.

“It’s an emotional situation because the seniors know this could be their last game on Clothier Field,” said head coach Todd Anckaitis. “But it’s been a tremendous season and there’s still more to look forward to.”

Anckaitis said the depth in the squad and the flexibility to change looks depending on match-ups makes the Garnet uniquely positioned for a tournament run.

“We’ve been pressing with the players that we want to be a team that has a soccer IQ where we can make the changes and not just do that on the field but know what we’re trying to achieve in those moments and execute,” Anckaitis said. “I feel really good heading into the tournament.”

Swarthmore, along with other potential at large teams like Rowan – which lost on penalty kicks to Montclair State in the NJAC final on Friday – will find out who their first round opponent will be and where they are heading for round one on Saturday in the NCAA selection show slated for 11 a.m. on Monday on NCAA.com.