Loyola women’s soccer picked up its first two Patriot League wins of the season last week, defeating Boston University on Saturday, Oct. 18 and American University on Thursday.
The Greyhounds’ first conference victory of the season came against the defending Patriot League champion Terriers last Saturday at Ridley Athletic Complex. The loss was the Terriers’ first conference defeat of the season. Junior Charlotte Miller’s 20-yard shot in the 47th minute lifted Loyola past B.U., 1-0.
The Terriers have scored 13 goals in the month of October and are tied for fourth in the league with the most goals this season (22). However, the Greyhounds’ defense seemed to have no problem holding Boston University scoreless. The loss was the Terriers’ first since September 14th against Northeastern.
Senior goalkeeper Colleen Folan recorded her seventh clean sheet of the season, stopping two shots in the win. Folan has made 51 saves this season for a .761 save percentage.
Both teams combined for only 10 shots, all in the final 45 minutes of the game. B.U. took eight shots, while Loyola took two.
In Thursday’s 2-0 win over American University, Miller and sophomore Maddie Boccio each scored a goal.
The first goal came less than 10 minutes into regulation when junior Brook Kerrigan stole the ball and passed to sophomore Jess Soldiviero. Soldiviero was able to find Miller, as she swung out on the right wing and passed her defenders for the finish.
The Greyhounds added an insurance goal in the 68th minute when Kerrigan headed a cross from Miller. American’s goalkeeper punched out the header attempt but Boccio grabbed the rebound and put Loyola up, 2-0.
Throughout the game, Loyola outshot American 16-14 and took a season-high eight corner kicks.
Folan continued to put her defensive skills on display, as she made four saves against the Eagles. She recorded her eighth clean sheet of the year and with one more shutout, Folan will be tied for third in program history for the most shutouts in a single season.
“American had a lot of chances in the first half, and the box score may not show it, but Colleen made a lot of big stops to keep the game 1-0,” Head Coach Naomi Meiburger said.
Currently sitting in seventh place in the conference standings, if the Hounds can squeeze into sixth place, they will receive the last spot for the Patriot League Tournament.
Updated: The Greyhounds posted their fourth straight shutout Sunday on Senior Day in a 0-0 tie, making Loyola 6-8-3 on the season and 2-3-3 in Patriot League play.
