STONY BROOK, N.Y. – The University of Pennsylvania women's soccer team battled Stony Brook through a scoreless first half Sunday afternoon before the Seawolves scored twice in the second to defeat the Quakers, 2-0, at Kenneth P. LaValle Stadium.
The Quakers (1-2-1) held a 3-1 advantage in shots on goal during the opening 45 minutes but could not capitalize on their chances, as Penn was held scoreless for the third time this season.
Quaker Notemeal
*Penn recorded 11 shots, including three on goal, while Stony Brook finished with 17 shots and six on target.
*The Quakers earned three corner kicks, while the Seawolves registered seven.
*Megan Graves played all 90 minutes in goal for the fourth consecutive game and made four stops.
*Avery Chapel led Penn with three shots, including one on goal.
*Kylie Emmanuel and Abbey Cook each recorded two shots, with Cook putting one on goal.
How it happened
Stony Brook controlled a majority of the early action, but Penn's defense held firm through a number of Seawolves set pieces. The Quakers weathered an early corner kick in the eighth minute before Stony Brook generated its first shot on goal in the 13th minute, when Emily Lemke's attempt was saved by Graves.
The hosts continued to pose a threat in the opening half, with Lemke putting another shot on target in the 15th minute that Graves turned away. Penn also created opportunities of its own, as Hailey Adamsky forced a save out of Jona Hennings in the 16th minute.
Stony Brook continued to apply pressure through the middle portion of the half, earning corner kicks in the 20th and 35th minutes. The Seawolves also had a dangerous free kick in the 40th minute, but the attempt did not result in a shot on goal.
Penn was forced to play a player down briefly in the 40th minute after Eden Veenema received a yellow card. Graves came up with another big stop in the 42nd minute, making a diving save to keep the Seawolves off the scoreboard.
The Quakers continued to battle defensively to keep the match scoreless heading into halftime. Penn's defensive effort limited Stony Brook to three shots on goal through the opening 45 minutes, with Graves denying all three attempts.
Stony Brook came out with significant offensive pressure to begin the second half, controlling possession and generating chances in the attacking third. The Seawolves earned a free kick in the 52nd minute following a foul on Grace Saxton along the near sideline, but Hedvig Helling's ensuing attempt did not produce a goal.
Penn began to find more offensive rhythm midway through the half. With 22 minutes remaining, Chapel sent a shot wide as the Quakers looked to break through.
Stony Brook finally opened the scoring in the 72nd minute. Following a free kick, Allison George rose to head the ball into the back of the net off an assist from Eva Sprewell, giving the Seawolves a 1-0 advantage.
Penn continued to search for an equalizer, earning a corner kick in the 77th minute, but the Quakers were unable to capitalize. With under 15 minutes remaining, Emmanuel got her head on a Penn free kick, but her attempt went wide.
The visitors generated their best offensive stretch late in the match. In the 80th minute, Cook beat her defender and moved in on goal, but Hennings came off her line to clear the ball away. Less than 20 seconds later, Cook tested Hennings again with a long-range effort, but the hosts' goalkeeper made the save.
Stony Brook controlled the ball and earned additional corner kicks as the clock wound down. The Seawolves added an insurance goal in the 86th minute after intercepting a Penn pass following a goal kick. Helling sent a high, looping cross into the box, where Leah Rifas headed the ball off the crossbar before Lemke tracked down the rebound and followed with a header into the net at 85:46 to make it 2-0.
Penn continued to battle in the closing minutes, but Hennings and Stony Brook's defense held the Quakers scoreless as the Seawolves secured the 2-0 victory.
The Red and Blue return to action Thursday at 4 p.m. when they travel to Villanova.
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