Heading into yesterday's game against Temple, the Penn men's soccer team knew that it would have to come out strong.
And that's exactly what the Quakers did.
Less than four minutes into the game, Penn senior tri-captain Robb Jankura caught a David Maier pass and sneaked it past surprised Temple goalkeeper Patrick Hannigan to put the Quakers up, 1-0.
That was the end of the Quakers' offensive success.
However, Jankura's goal stood up as the Red and Blue were able to hold off the Owls' offense, winning, 1-0.
"We could have played a lot better," Jankura said. "But we got the result, and that's what's important."
After the initial goal, the Quakers had a series of missed opportunities and relinquished control of the game, allowing Temple to dictate the pace of play.
"They changed it to their type of game," Penn coach Rudy Fuller said. "We got ourselves into a battle."
Still, the Quakers' backline held strong, and Penn goalkeeper Matt Haefner earned his third shutout of the season without even needing to make a save.
Though Temple attempted six shots, none of them made their way to Haefner.
Yesterday's victory leaves Penn (4-1, 2-0 Philly 7) as the only undefeated team in the Philadelphia Soccer 7. The Quakers won the title last year and appear to be well on their way to a repeat.
Penn will face Philadelphia University on Oct. 12 in its next City Series contest.
Prior to that game, Penn has a more formidable foe on which to focus.
The Red and Blue kickoff their Ivy League season this Saturday in Ithaca, N.Y., against Cornell.
A win in this game will be invaluable for the Quakers, as it will set the stage for the remainder of the Ivy League season.
"We want to get off to a good start in the league," Fuller said. "The first game is the most important."
The Big Red are 3-1-1 and are currently on a three-game winning streak.
Earlier this season, Cornell tied Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., after two overtimes. The Fighting Irish are consistently ranked among the best teams in the country and are currently ranked 10th.
The Irish are not the only ranked squad that the Big Red have faced this season. In its final loss before reeling off three straight wins, Cornell fell to No. 24 Bradley, 3-0.
Just as it was last season -- when Cornell finished the year 9-4-3 overall, and with a No. 22 national ranking --the staple of the Big Red is defensive play.
Last season, the Big Red surrendered just 15 goals all year. This year, Cornell has allowed just 1.2 goals per contest.
The Big Red's defense is anchored by a pair of 2001 All-Ivy selections. In the center back, Cornell starts Liam Hoban, a 2001 All-Ivy Honorable mention selection. Behind Hoban, lurks Big Red goalkeeper and 2001 All-Ivy choice Doug Allan.
Going forward, Cornell's offense is spearheaded by junior Ian Pilarski -- one of the top playmakers in the conference -- and sophomore forward Steve Reuter.
Last season, the Quakers pulled off a huge victory over the Big Red, defeating them 2-1, in overtime.
Penn expects another tight game this year.
"We always have close games with them," Fuller said.
Getting on the right side of a close score will be the Quakers aim this weekend. Since the Ivy League has no clear cut favorite, every league contest is of tremendous importance.
"All the Ivy League games are like Cup finals," Fuller said.
