W. Soccer: Early goal holds up in shutout victory

In its last two games, the Penn women's soccer team got on the board first but was unable to hold on to the lead both times. Yesterday against Brown, though, the Quakers capitalized on their first scoring opportunity and never let up on defense, winning 1-0. The victory stopped a three-game winless skid as the Quakers (8-5-3, 2-2-2 Ivy) notched their first victory in an away match this season. What proved to be the game-winning goal for the Quakers came off the first corner kick of the game and just 10 minutes into play. Penn's Tracy Bienenfeld pitched the penalty corner to sophomore Rachel Fletcher, who headed the ball across the box to freshman Natalie Capuano. Capuano then headed a shot past Brown goalie Hilary Wilson from point-blank range to give the Quakers a 1-0 lead. The goal was Capuano's fifth of the year, trailing only senior Carolyn Cross' six in that department. The Bears (5-9-2, 1-3-2), though, did not go quietly. "They were down a goal, and they really came after us," Penn head coach Darren Ambrose said. Brown nearly knotted the game at one in the final seconds of the first half. Penn goalie Jessica Keeley blocked two shots but was forced to leave the net wide open. Fortunately for her, the Bears were unable to take the free shot before time expired. The Bears had their chances in the second half as well, with sophomore Kerrilyn Carney hitting the cross bar with under three minutes left. Brown outshot the Quakers 9-6 in the second half and 16-11 overall but could not buy the equalizer. Ambrose was pleased with his team's performance on defense. "We limited them to two chances," he said. "We had no mental letdowns." "This was a very emotional game for Brown, and I thought our seniors stepped up as well." Penn also saw the return of senior midfielder Meg Pittman, who pulled a muscle in her back and was forced to sit out the game against Lafayette. Pittman's play was "outstanding" according to Ambrose. This victory will allow the Quakers to finish the season over .500 in conference play with a win over Princeton on homecoming weekend. Penn may also have a chance to spoil the Tigers' Ivy League title hopes. Princeton (6-6-2, 3-2-0) is currently riding a three-game winning streak and will face Columbia tomorrow before taking on the Quakers on Saturday. PENN 1 0 - 1 Brown 0 0 - 0 Scoring: 1st Half: 1, PENN, Capuano 5 (Fletcher, Bienenfeld) 10th. 2nd Half: None