Newton, Mass . - The Villanova Wildcats opened the 2022 season on the road at Boston College on Thursday afternoon, in a new era of women's soccer under first year head coach Samar Azem.  The Wildcats and Eagles were scoreless heading into halftime, but BC was able to connect on two goals in the second half to win 2-0. 

In her first collegiate game Izzy Newton got the first shot off for the Wildcats in the 14^th minute, that went high. Goalkeeper Megan McClay got the start in goal and had back-to-back saves midway through the opening half.   The first was on a shot that was right in the center of the goal and the second was a diving stop in the 27^th minute.  In a scoreless first half the Eagles took seven shots and placed two on goal while Villanova's only shot came from Newton. 

In the 57^th minute Boston College got on the board when Riley Kerber sent a short pass at the top of the box to Emily Sapienza, who launched a shot into the upper corner to make it 1-0.   Senior Alexa Wojnovich gave the Wildcats a strong scoring chance in the 63^rd minute.  The forward got the ball and the top right of the box and launched a strong shot just wide.  Villanova had their best shot on goal when Newton then set Lauren Belcuore in the 70^th minute. The sophomore was one on one with the BC keeper, but the shot was saved.  The Eagles got one more goal in the 80^th minute on a successful penalty shot following a hand ball in the box.  Claire Mensi was able to send the PK just high and out of the reach of McClay to make the final 2-0. In the closing minutes Megan Donnelly got the final shot off from outside the box.  The shot was near the post, but the Eagle's keeper jumped to scoop it up. 

Villanova will return home to host the Delaware Blue Hens on Sunday at 1:00 P.M.  Tonight, the Blue Hens will host Delaware State before travel up the blue route.  Sunday will also be youth day, follow @NovaWSoccer on Twitter for more information.