The women's soccer team probably thought its game against Temple on Wednesday would serve as the perfect way to gain momentum for the Ivy opener against Harvard.
Twenty-one shots and 21 misses later, the Quakers (4-1-1) found themselves trying to regain their composure and bounce back against a battle-tested Crimson team.
Harvard (0-6-1) may not have a win to its name this season, but the Crimson has gone up against three ranked opponents thus far, including then-No. 1 Santa Clara in the season opener, and No. 14 Boston University in its last game.
If Penn wants to keep Harvard winless, it will need to finish near the goal, something it failed miserably at against Temple. But coach Darren Ambrose doesn't foresee any changes in the Quakers' frontline.
"It's not like we're not creating any chances," Ambrose said. "I think our kids were a little unlucky, and we'll be more focused come the weekend."
This focus may have to last beyond the weekend, as Penn's performance in its conference schedule will make or break its potential run for the Ivy title.
And it all starts tonight at Rhodes Field.
"There's a lot of history and a lot of tradition involved with playing against Ivy League schools," Ambrose said. "Any play within the league is an important game."
