HAVERFORD, Pa. — The Haverford College women's soccer team (3-4-2, 1-2-0 CC) dropped a Centennial Conference matchup to No. 25 Johns Hopkins (6-3-1, 2-1-0 CC) on Saturday at Walton Field, falling 2-0. The visitors capitalized on their offensive pressure with a goal in each half, while the Fords' defense was tested throughout, facing 22 shots. Goalkeeper Allie Billups kept Haverford in contention with a season-high eight saves.
The match opened with both teams creating chances early. Haverford's Olivia Daulerio had a look in the opening minutes, cutting past goalkeeper Ella Kruntchev before her shot was blocked by Ella Macko. Johns Hopkins responded with sustained pressure, breaking through in the 9th minute. Off a corner, Macko headed the ball down, leading to a shot by Caroline Marcus that was saved by Billups. Carolyn Johnson pounced on the rebound and finished to give the Blue Jays a 1-0 lead. Billups stayed sharp the rest of the half, denying multiple attempts, including a header from Macko, to keep the deficit at one as the teams entered the break.
Johns Hopkins continued to press in the second half. Natalie Smith created several opportunities, including a penalty kick in the 55th minute, but Billups dove to her left to make the stop and keep the scoreline at 1-0. Haverford worked to respond, with efforts from Abigale Baker and Carly Rusak missing just wide. However, the Blue Jays extended their lead in the 83rd minute when Johnson scored her second goal of the day. Maria Romo-Nichols delivered a pinpoint cross into the box, and Johnson headed it past Billups to secure the 2-0 result.
Billups finished with eight saves on ten shots faced, anchoring the defense. Daulerio and Ali Dorrego each registered a shot on target, while Rusak led the team with two shot attempts.
Johnson was the difference-maker for Johns Hopkins, scoring both goals on five shots, including the game-winner. Romo-Nichols added an assist and tallied five shots, four of which were on target. Smith led all players with seven shots, two on goal. In net, Kruntchev earned the shutout with two saves in 90 minutes.
The Fords return to action on Tuesday, September 30, when they host Widener at Walton Field. Kickoff is set for 5 p.m.
