The men's soccer team may be undefeated and riding a seven-game shutout streak, but they're looking for more: local bragging rights.
The Quakers take on their first Philadelphia Soccer Seven opponent this Sunday when they travel to Ambler, Pa., to play Temple.
And though the Owls (3-3) may lack the clout of some of Penn's earlier victims this season, coach Rudy Fuller knows not to underestimate any local rivals.
"It's no different than Big 5 basketball," he said. "When two Philly teams play, a lot of stuff goes out the window, and it's just a hard-fought affair."
After Wednesday's 3-0 victory over Penn State, the Quakers are flying high with arguably the hottest defense in the nation. Anchored by senior Ryan Porch and freshman Jake Levin, the unit remains the only one in Division I not to allow a goal this season. Senior goalkeeper Drew Healy's 680 consecutive scoreless minutes have moved him into the top-20 all-time.
But more important to Healy and the Quakers is their 5-0-2 record.
"I'm pretty sure we're going to give up a goal some time this year," Fuller said. "We really don't mind giving up a goal as long as we win."
Temple does not seem to be as big a threat to that clean-sheet streak as some teams the Quakers have already shut down. Through their six games, the Owls have scored only eight goals. Three of those have come from stellar freshman Tyler Wittmer, who netted all of them last week.
Comparing the Quakers and Owls is not too difficult, as both hosted Buffalo and Mercer as part of the Penn Soccer Classic last weekend. The Quakers won that tournament thanks to a 0-0 tie against the Bulls and a 6-0 drubbing of Mercer.
Temple came in third, defeating the Bears, 2-0, before falling to Buffalo on Sunday, 1-0.
Both teams will be coming in on short rest. The Quakers may have the advantage in that respect, though; while they played on Wednesday, Temple is their only opponent of the weekend. The Owls, however, travel to Rider on Friday afternoon.
And though no NCAA Cup bids or conference championships are on the line when Soccer Seven teams meet, something equally as important to the Penn players is.
"Any Philly Soccer Seven game is for pride," Healy said. "You want to be the best team in Philadelphia, and you want everyone to know you're the best team in Philadelphia."
- Staff writer Joe Sanfilippo contributed reporting to this article.
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