Three Up Three Down: Women's Soccer vs. Harvard

Three Up —

Penn’s defense: The Quakers’ defense has received an enormous amount of credit this season, and with good reason. Penn shut out each of its first five opponents and both of the scores it has given up came in the Quakers’ last game against Old Dominion. The team’s defensive statistics are staggering — Penn has limited its opponents to only 11 corners and 31 shots, with only 14 shots on goal.

Harvard’s goal-scoring ability: Despite being outscored by its opponents 6-3 in the team’s first four contests, Harvard has won its last three matches by a combined score of 8-0. The Crimson have spread around the wealth thus far, with eight different players scoring this season. Margaret Price leads Harvard with four goals, two of which came in the Crimson’s 2-0 victory over Rhode Island a week ago.

The Quakers’ efficiency: While both Kerry Scalora and Tahirih Nesmith have combined for half of Penn’s twelve goals, six other players have found the back of the net this season. Penn’s goalkeepers also have a combined .857 save percentage. The Red and Blue have also managed an assist on every goal they’ve scored.

Three Down —

Harvard’s goalkeeping: The jury is still out on Harvard’s goalies. In seven matches in 2013, the Crimson have used three different goalkeepers. Despite logging the second-most minutes among Harvard’s goalies, Bethaney Kanten has given up four goals in as many matches and features the lowest save percentage on the team. Harvard seems to have found its defensive answer in Cheta Emba, but Friday’s game will be key in assessing the team’s prospects for the rest of the year.

Lehigh’s offense: It’s been a rough beginning to the 2013 campaign for the Mountain Hawks. Despite a strong showing at the Saint Mary’s College Classic two weeks ago, Lehigh has failed to muster anything on either side of the ball this season. The Hawks have scored more than two goals in only one match this season and have been shut out in all four of their losses.

Penn’s last two matches: At this point, there’s really not much for the Quakers to complain about, other than the two ties against William & Mary and Old Dominion last weekend. The two draws a week ago are the only thing keeping Penn from a flawless record this season.