Box Score (PDF)

PHILADELPHIA - After giving up two goals in the first half, the University of Pennsylvania men's soccer team fought back valiantly against local rival Villanova, but came up just short, falling 2-1 on Tuesday night. The loss drops the Quakers to 2-9-1 on the year.

KEY MOMENTS
*The Wildcats owned the early momentum of the contest, which eventually put the visitors up 2-0. In the 21st minute, Andres Camacho found Zach Zandi from the left side of the box after taking the ball deep down the field, allowing Zandi an open goal opportunity that he took advantage of. Just under three minutes later, Andreas Bartosinski connected with Miguel Polley and it was a two goal lead for Villanova.

*Penn attempted to stall the momentum with some fresh faces, inserting Wes Maki, Amado Lozano and Santi Musalem Pinto soon after the Wildcat scores.

*The remainder of the first period featured no real threats from either side, despite multiple corner kicks for both Nova and Penn.

*Penn had a prime opportunity early in the second half as Jake Kohlbrenner cut off a pass on the backline, unable to control the ball before Villanova goalkeeper Will Steiner snatched it up.

*As time went on, the Red and Blue asserted themselves more and more, playing a majority of the period in Villanova's half of the field. The Quakers sent in a barrage of shots and corner kicks, flipping the script of the contest and putting the Wildcats on their heels.

*Penn's aggressive play payed off in the 77th minute as Dami Omitaomu came racing down the left side of the field before getting taken down in the upper corner of the penalty box. Swenson stepped up for the Quakers and calmly converted the goal, cutting the deficit to just 2-1.

*Villanova responded with some energy of its own to counter the Penn run, but the Quakers again had their chances to tie on shots from Swenson, Omitaomu and Alex Touche before the final whistle blew.

PENN NOTES
*Swenson's goal is his fourth of the season, giving him six for his career with the Red and Blue. The senior leads the team in points this fall with nine.

*Swenson is now 2-for-2 on penalty kick attempts this year.

*Penn dominated in shots in the second half, tallying nine to Villanova's one. The Quakers won the shot battle overall 11-7.

*Swenson and Omitaomu tied for the team lead in shots on the night with four each. 

*Scott Forbes took the loss in goal, collecting one save.

WHAT'S NEXT?
Penn returns to Ivy League action on Saturday, Oct. 21 for a 7 p.m. kickoff with Yale at Rhodes Field