While the Penn women's soccer team had little trouble dismantling its opponent, the Quakers' players did have one major challenge to overcome: not retaliating against UMBC's physical play.
In last night's 4-0 win in Baltimore, the Retrievers' players took three yellow cards on the game. But that wasn't the only work referee Michael Barke had to do.
Penn's second goal came after Kristin Kaiser was taken down in the box, leading to a yellow card and some fireworks.
Natalie Capuano's converted the penalty shot, but Barke showed the red card to one of the Retrievers assistants for arguing against the call.
Another yellow card came minutes later when Penn's Michelle Drugan was pushed into the bleachers by an opposing player.
"We were very composed and we didn't get too wrapped up in how physical [the Retrievers] were playing," Drugan said. "There were a bunch of cards thrown in the game but we definitely kept our heads and played well."
The Quakers extended their winning streak to six games, tying the school single-season record.
Four different players cashed in for Penn (11-2-1), including Jessica Fuccello, who opened the scoring 12 minutes in by finishing off a cross from Mara Fintzi. Fuccello, with her 10th goal of the season, extended her scoring streak to five games.
Penn dominated on both sides of the field, outshooting the Retrievers (2-12-2) 21-7 and gaining a 10-1 advantage in corner kicks.
"We created a lot of dangerous chances and possessed the ball as well as I could have expected us to," coach Darren Ambrose said. "Our defenders played very well as a unit and I don't think we gave them much of a look at our goal."
No more cards were given out after the Drugan foul, as Ambrose noted he felt Barke did a good job of keeping in the match in control. Penn's domination, however, did carry over into the second frame as Molly Weir and Mara Fintzi added goals.
The Quakers' offense has struggled at times this season. But heading into the three Ivy games that stand between the team and its first-ever league title, Penn seems to be clicking at the right time.
"There's a lot of confidence amongst our attacking players right now," Ambrose said. "They're playing together and they understand each others' strengths."
The match, sandwiched in between two big Ivy League games, could have been a trap game for Penn. But the Quakers showed they weren't looking past UMBC, and the result was never in doubt.
Having already put together a historical season, will they stay hungry for more?
