VILLANOVA, Pa. – Villanova picked up its second shutout victory in back-to-back games, logging a 1-0 win over Penn on Friday at Higgins Soccer Complex.
Susanna Soderman netted the lone goal for Villanova (2-1) in the win early in the second half that Penn (0-1) was unable to answer. The senior midfielder was one of three Wildcats to attempt two shots in the outing, but
Gabby Koluch led all shot-takers with five attempts.
"It's nice to have the momentum of two shutouts, two wins, especially against teams that are locally right here," Villanova head coach
Samar Azem said. "Penn's a really great side. This was their first countable outing; the Ivy's start a little later. Their shape was really hard to deal with. I think they've done a fantastic job of really establishing their identity and it was hard to deal with and our team adapted really well. It was very different than what we've seen in the last few matches."
In net,
Hannah Dickinson picks up her second win of the year to move to 2-1 with this being her first solo shutout in the Blue and White. She was called upon for one save.
With an early attempt by
Lauren Ashman that was saved by Penn's Annabel Austen being the only shot on goal for either side heading late into the opening half, a foul near the 18-yard box provided Villanova with a chance to get on the board.
Morgan Kotch was fouled by Eden Veenema just outside the box, setting Koluch up with a set piece along the chalk but her attempt was blocked, ending the half.
Villanova led the shot tally 7-2 at the break, lining up for five corners in that span. The Wildcats needed just 18 seconds into the second half to make the break it needed to end the scoreless stalemate.
Penn kicked off the second half but Koluch quickly stole back possession for the 'Cats. Soderman picked up the ball and dribbled her way toward the top of the penalty box, sending a shot from nearly 19 yards out and past a diving Annabel Austen in net for Penn to take a 1-0.
Madison Shumate sent a rocket that found its way into the back of the net and would have doubled Villanova's lead in the 58
th minute, but she was called offsides. The next best chance at a goal for either side came in the 78
th minute with Penn's Lily White sending an arching look that was kept in play by Dickinson in the six-yard box for her lone save of the day.
Three different Quakers all had two shot attempts with Villanova outshooting them 17-7 on the afternoon, 4-1 in shots on goal.
Villanova heads to the Sunshine State for its road trip of the season. The pair of games played down in Florida starts with a Thursday meeting at Jacksonville. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m.
