Women's soccer wins 1-0 against American University

The first half lone goal gave the University of Richmond women's soccer team all it needed to defeat the American University Eagles 1-0 Tuesday night at First Market Stadium.

In the 12th minute, senior halfback Sarah Hilt crossed the ball in front of the goal, and it deflected off an Eagles defender into the goal.

"We put their defense under pressure," Richmond coach Peter Albright said. "It was a great bit of attacking soccer even without the deflection."

The Spiders took advantage of the Eagles' mistakes, largely preventing them from shooting on goal throughout the game. Richmond outshot American 15-4 and kept the team from shooting for the first 40 minutes of the second half.

Albright credited the defensive success in the second half to good use of the team's wide players and consistent offensive pressure.

"We try to be great defensively," Albright said.

Tuesday's shutout was the fourth time this year that the Spiders have held their opponents scoreless.

Senior Julia Bizer and freshman Bridget Kinealy played important roles in the Spiders' victory, Albright said. Albright was also impressed by senior midfielder Jessie Wolfe's play.

"She is playing at a really high level," he said of Wolfe. "She was the best player on the field by a lot."

The win improved the team's record to 5-1-1. All five of the Spiders' wins have come against teams that they did not beat last season.

The next game for the Spiders is scheduled for Friday night at home against the University of Pennsylvania, a team that won the Ivy League title last year and is returning eleven starters.

Albright said he's hoping for a larger crowd Friday night and expressed confidence in his team, even though they're playing a tough opponent.

"If we play hard, we're going to be in every game," he said.

Contact staff writer Reilly Moore at reilly.moore@richmond.edu