LAWRENCEVILLE, N.J.- The Villanova Wildcats defeated the Rider Broncs on Sunday afternoon by a final of 3-1.  Offensively the Wildcats were led by senior Chloe O'Neill who netted two goals for the second straight game.
 
"It's always tough to play a Friday, Sunday weekend. We grinded and found a way to win against a very prepared team," shared assistant coach Megan Geldernick.

Villanova's offense and defense were both clicking against Rider, the Wildcats took 24 shots and limited the Broncs to only four.
 
The Wildcats first goal scoring opportunity came in the 7^th minute when Reagan Smith took a free kick after a yellow card was issued to Rider.  From just outside the box Smith took one shot that was blocked but got the rebound.  She was able to get a second shot off that was to the lower left corner but was saved by Ellie Sciancalepore.
 
Megan McClay, finished with a pair of saves, her first save came from a free kick taken by when Chloe Fisher from right outside the box.  Fisher got her shot on target but it was caught by McClay.
 
Villanova got the board first in the 30^th minute.  It started when Brigid Molloy sent in a long pass to Makayla Stadler who was located at the top of the box.  Stadler made a short pass to O'Neill who came around the defender and sent her shot in from 18 yards out.  The ball bent out of the reach of Sciancalepore and in to put Villanova up 1-0.
 
Right before halftime the Wildcats would capitalize and score a second goal.  The play started with Emma Weaver send a shot in that hit cross bar.  The ball went back in front of goal, and right to Molly Shannon, who got a shot to go that went right to the keeper, but was saved.  Makayla Stadler got the rebound off the save and was able to make contact and rip it in for a 2-0 lead.
 
The start of the second half Villanova's offense came out strong getting off two early shots in the opening minutes.  Maddie Fried and Susanna Soderman both had strong shots on goal that were saved. 
 
In the 60^th minute Rider got on the board.  The Broncs Makenzie Rodrigues took a shot from the top of the box and it was just under the cross bar and out of reach of McClay to make it 2-1. 
 
O'Neill would net her second of the game in the 63^rd minute.  The senior took a shot from 20 yards out that went right under the cross bar and out of the reach of the Broncs keeper to make it 3-1. 
 
Geldernick continued, "It's exciting to have the type of depth we do. Every player on this roster is contributing in a massive way. From freshman to seniors every player has bought in."

Next the Wildcats will host Cornell at Higgins Soccer Complex.  Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 P.M. next Sunday and can be seen on Nova Nation All-Access on FloSports.