CINCINNATI, Ohio – Villanova faced its first loss of the season, falling to No. 24 Xavier, 1-0, on Thursday night at Corcoran Field.
 
The loss ends a 12-game unbeaten streak that Villanova (4-1-5, 1-1 BIG EAST) had built since the 2022 season. A scoreless stalemate stood until the 59^th minute when Madison Ayson put Xavier (9-2-1, 2-0-1 BIG EAST) ahead. Kennedy Clark sent a cross in that hit off the back of a leaping Ayson's leg and into the back of the net.
 
Makayla Stadler led the 'Cats with two shot attempts, one of those landing on frame. Villanova trailed the shot tally 16-5, marking just the third time this season that Villanova was outshot but an opponent.
 
Xavier's Samantha Wiehe tried to find Ella Rogers in the 12^th minute for a header deep inside the box, but that attempt was grabbed by Villanova's Payton Woodward to keep the game scoreless. Another deep cross in the 21^st minute, this time by Shelby Sallee, was picked up by Woodward.
 
Villanova made just two shot attempts in the first half. Susanna Soderman's attempt in the 38^th minute was blocked. Less than a minute later and after a Soderman corner, Jackie Richards took a shot that went wide. The 'Cats were outshot 7-2 in the opening 45 minutes.
 
Nearly 30 seconds after Ayson's goal, Xavier almost had a chance to go up 2-0. Sonia Vargas took a chance deep in the box, but Woodward tracked her for a save at the right post.
 
Makayla Stadler had a strong chance to bring the match level in the 87^th minute. She sent a missile from over 18 yards out, but it was pushed above the goal by Xavier's Maria Galley. That was the only attempt Galley was called upon to save on the evening.
 
Villanova stays on the road this weekend as it heads to St. John's Sunday at Belson Stadium. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. in Queens, N.Y.