W. Soccer ties Bears 1-1

The Penn women's soccer team fought defending Ivy League champion Brown, as well as Mother Nature, to a 1-1 draw at flooded Rhodes Field Saturday afternoon. The tie assures the Quakers (7-4-2, 1-3-1 Ivy League) of their first non-losing season in the five-year history of the varsity program. Leaving Philadelphia without a win ends Brown's (4-6-2, 2-2-1) chances of winning its 13th Ivy title. Driving rains that began Saturday morning continued throughout the match, leaving massive puddles in places and causing the players all sorts of difficulties. It quickly became clear that this would not be a typical game. Just 16 seconds after the opening whistle, the Bears were leading 1-0, having taken the ball straight through the Quakers' defense. Amy Broadhead scored the goal, a low ball which slipped beneath Penn keeper Amy Urban. Any chance that this match would be a repeat of last year's 6-1 Brown rout disappeared in the next 15 minutes. The Red and Blue established themselves as worthy foes by spending a good deal of time in Brown's end of the field. The inclement weather forced the Quakers out of their usual short passing, possession-oriented attack. In fact, the slick conditions forced Penn to play in a style favored by opponents, rain or shine. "We bypassed the midfield more than I'd ever want?but longer balls were very effective," Penn coach Patrick Baker said. The players were philosophical about adjusting to the weather. "At this level, you have to be able to play in any conditions, [even if] it's more their style," said junior Anne Davies, who played all 120 minutes at midfield. The first half was played end to end. Both teams had a number of scoring opportunities, the best of which occurred in the closing minutes. A Brown shot from near the 18-yard line connected with the crossbar. The rebound was gathered by a Bears forward, who hit the crossbar for the second time in five seconds. Penn cleared the ball out of danger, leaving Brown ahead 1-0 at halftime. The second half was played much the same way. Due to the slippery ball, any shot that reached the keeper was dangerous. Brown was looking increasingly menacing, hitting the crossbar a third time just minutes before Penn leveled the score. Then Penn forward Tina Cooper gained possession of the ball in the Bears' box, and curled a left-footed shot inside the left corner of the goal. It was her third goal on the season. After 15 more minutes, the teams entered the two 15-minute overtime periods tied at 1-1. Neither side could generate the type of scoring chances that filled regulation. Once again, the Penn defense succeeded in shutting out the star forwards of its opposition. All-Ivy forward Holly Hargroder and her lightning quick partner, Lisa Beckett, left Rhodes Field empty-handed. The draw with Brown, ranked as high as 16th in the nation before the season, is by far the best result for the Quakers against that tradition-rich school. "We wanted to stay in the hunt for the Ivies. Now we're out. Hats off to Penn-they deserve a lot of credit," said Brown coach Phil Pincince. Penn was also pleased, especially compared to last season's thrashing. "Obviously, I'm happy we didn't lose. I think it's a great improvement from last year," junior sweeper Heather Herson said. "I'm pleased. I felt on the day we could have won the game," Baker said. Feeling that they can win against quality opposition is unique to this Quakers team. Drawing with Brown may be the signal that Penn women's soccer has arrived. "A lot of people around the country are going pick up the paper and look at that score," the coach proudly said.