In two games this season, the Penn men's soccer team has yet to allow a goal. In four, Seton Hall has scored 13.
When the two teams face off tonight in Princeton, N.J., something's gotta give.
"It's kind of like an unstoppable force meets an immovable object," senior goalkeeper Drew Healy said. "Whenever you play Seton Hall, it's a good soccer game, and that's the kind of game we like. It will be a real big test for us."
This weekend's Princeton Soccer Tournament should be quite challenging overall for the Quakers (1-0-1). After dealing with the Pirates (4-0), Penn battles American (2-2)on Sunday.
Seton Hall should be the greater challenge, as the squad boasts the nation's sixth-best offense, scoring 3.25 goals per game. As one of only 17 teams to win all of its games, the Pirates are inching closer to the top 25, ranking No. 31 in the latest poll.
Much of their success has come from sophomore forward Samuel Petrone. The Clemson transfer has netted eight goals and 17 points, best in the country. And he scored those goals over a span of just three games, earning him Big East Player of the Week and National Soccer Coaches Association of America Player of the Week honors.
The Quakers will have to contain Petrone, but they're taking a more general stance on the defensive front.
"We're not focusing on any one specific player," senior Ryan Porch said. "We got two shutouts last week and we're working to improve this week."
Last year, the Quakers opened against the Pirates, and the result was less than desirable. Seton Hall got two quick scores off penalty shots and held on for a 6-2 victory.
"Everyone was trying to forget it midway through the second half of that game," Healy said. "All of us have kept that in our heads . but it's not like we've had this game circled."
And the team continues to return to defense as its mantra, after the two shutouts last week led to a championship at the inaugural Marquette Tournament. American, while not as strong offensively as Seton Hall, still averages two goals per game and put up five in a season-opening home win over Howard on Aug. 29.
With home play only a week away, an unbeaten weekend would do wonders for Penn's confidence - especially if its defense proves to be a match for the Pirates' firepower.
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