The women’s soccer team is approaching its upcoming weekend of play with a chip on its shoulder. After pounding its first two opponents, Penn is confident that it can avoid last season’s disappointing fifth-place Ivy finish. But the Quakers won’t settle for just league success. They want to beat top-shelf teams too. They’ll get that chance when Northwestern (1-4-1) and No. 25 Pittsburgh (4-0-0) come to Rhodes Field this weekend. Penn’s 0-2-0 all-time against the Panthers and 0-0-1 against the Wildcats. “We are definitely approaching this season with redemption in mind,” junior midfielder Sarah Friedman said. “Last season is in the past and we are focused on playing to our potential.” Two games into the season, the Quakers (2-0-0) are already thinking about a return to the NCAA College Cup, and this weekend’s games could have potential postseason implications. “Northwestern and Pitt are two huge schools,” sophomore goalkeeper Caroline Williams said. “If it comes down to an out of league bid, these two wins would definitely help us out.” The return of senior Jessica Fuccello, who scored five goals in Penn’s first weekend of play, has restored the confidence of the attack. Penn has already tallied eight goals this season — nearly a quarter of last year’s total output. But the team will need production from its entire offense if it hopes to be successful against its major-conference opponents, especially Pitt, which is ranked by Soccer America after only allowing one goal thus far. “Fuccello’s goals were a result of a lot of teamwork and strong play from the entire offense and midfield,” coach Darren Ambrose said. “If we play with the midfield and the forwards possess the ball, we will not have to worry about what the opposing team brings at us.” Despite the team’s offensive resurgence, Penn will rely on its defense when it faces a powerful Panthers squad that features several offensive weapons, headlined by a talented pair of Ashleys. Senior Ashley Habbel tied Pitt’s career scoring record in the third game of the season, a 1-0 victory over Kent State, while freshman Ashley Cuba leads the team with nine points and three game-winning goals. “Last weekend we let in three goals,” Penn junior Kaitlin Campbell said. “We need to work on not having those relapses, especially because we will be playing stronger opponents this weekend.” Pitt has emerged victorious in each of its last two meetings with the Quakers, handing Penn a 3-1 loss in last season’s opener. Habbel registered a goal and an assist in the effort. Though the Quakers have not beaten a nationally ranked opponent since the 2003 season — they beat No. 20 Princeton, 3-2 — the Red and Blue are approaching the weekend with confidence. “We’re in a good place,” Ambrose said. “We know that we can go out there and play well, and if we play our game well, we will win.”
Quakers feeling catty
