If it has done anything this season, the Columbia women's team has proven that soccer statistics are overrated.
Despite launching 30 fewer shots than their opponents on the year, the Lions (6-2-2, 1-0 Ivy) come into their home match with Penn (7-2-1, 1-0) tomorrow riding an eight-game unbeaten streak.
"You can't explain stats in soccer," coach Darren Ambrose said. "If I could explain stats I'd be rich."
Then again, defying logic is nothing new for Columbia. The Lions came out of nowhere last year to go undefeated in league play, claiming their first-ever Ivy League crown.
"Naturally I think there is added incentive," sophomore Jess Rothenheber said of facing the defending champions, "but we're more focused on winning the game."
After defeating Cornell 1-0 in their Ivy opener last weekend, going to Columbia should prove a greater challenge for the Quakers.
"It's a big test because if we win we will be in better standing than we were last year," Rothenheber said.
But beating the Lions on their own turf will be easier said than done, even if Penn continues the trend of Columbia opponents who have won the battle of the box scores.
Even getting a goal on the Lions will be a challenge. They have given up only five in 10 games this year.
Senior goalkeeper Allison Vespa has been a big reason Columbia has been able to buck the statistical anomaly. Vespa has an amazing 44 saves in seven games started, posting a .898 save percentage.
By comparison, Penn's goalies have had to make a total of 32 saves in 10 games, with a .780 save percentage.
With the Lions' stout defense and outstanding play in goal, Penn goals should be hard to come by.
"Our kids know that if we want a win, when we get our chances we have to finish them," Ambrose said. "There will be a lot of moments of back and forth play, but when we get possession we have to take advantage."
Pouncing on scoring chances has been a problem at times this season, but the team insists it won't change anything on offense for this game.
"We just need more composure in the final third [of the field]," Rothenheber said. "We need to stay relaxed instead of forcing things."
All-Ivy midfielder and captain Natalie Capuano will play in midfield after the aftereffects of a concussion kept her out of the last two games.
The Quakers may have to make a change in goal, however, since Cailly Carroll suffered a hand injury this week. Her status for the match is unknown and Ambrose would not name the starter.
Whoever that is will face a tall task to match the play of her counterpart and help bring home a 2-0 Ivy record.
