READING, Pa. — The Haverford College women's soccer team (2-2-0) edged Penn State Berks (1-4-0) by a 1-0 scoreline on Wednesday evening at Berks Turf Field. The Fords' decisive goal came in the first half, and despite strong goalkeeping from the Nittany Lions, Haverford held firm to secure the road victory. The Scarlet and Black controlled play throughout, outshooting the hosts 13-5, including an 8-2 advantage in shots on goal.
Haverford began the first half with early pressure, earning multiple corner kicks in the opening 20 minutes. The breakthrough came in the 21st minute, when senior defender Abigale Baker rose to meet a perfectly placed corner from Caroline Flynn, heading the ball down off the turf and over Penn State Berks goalkeeper Sophia Gonzalez for the game's lone goal.
The Fords kept pushing, with Madeline Dosen and Emma Murray each forcing saves from Gonzalez. Penn State Berks threatened late in the half with shots from Paige Thomas, but Haverford goalkeeper Allie Billups stood tall to preserve the 1-0 advantage at the break.
Haverford continued to control possession in the second half, generating several quality chances. Flynn nearly doubled the lead in the 51st minute, but Gonzalez made another strong save. Sophia Mitchell and Dosen also tested the keeper, only to be denied. The Nittany Lions' best look came in the 58th minute, when Thomas fired just wide. Baker had another effort turned aside in the 73rd minute, but the Fords' backline and Billups closed out the match, sealing the shutout victory.
Baker scored the game-winner on one of her three shots, with two on frame. Flynn added the assist and contributed two shots, one on target. In goal, Billups tallied two saves to record her second clean sheet of the season.
For Penn State Berks, Gonzalez delivered an outstanding effort with seven saves, facing 13 total shots. Thomas was the most active attacker, recording three shots with one on goal.
The Fords will look to carry their momentum into their next matchup on Saturday, September 13, as they travel to Scranton for a 1 p.m. kickoff.
