(BRYN ATHYN, Pa.) – Not only did the Wilson women's soccer team get back into the win column, but it also snapped a four-game losing streak to Bryn Athyn with a shutout on Saturday afternoon.
Halley Shaffer (Jr., Sunbury, Pa. / Line Mountain) set the tone early with a goal just 72 seconds into the game, while
Madison Ebersole (FY, Big Pool, Md. / Clear Springs) shined on the defensive end as she posted up 13 saves in the victory.
The Basics
Score: Wilson 3, Bryn Athyn 0
Venue: Nelson Field
Records: Wilson 8-2-2, 1-2-0 UE; Bryn Athyn 3-6-0, 0-2-0 UE
How It Happened
- Shaffer's early goal was set up on a counterattack by the Phoenix with a long pass up the center of the field. Shaffer was able to corral possession and dodge the goalie who came out to try and disrupt the play outside of the box. Shaffer was able to avoid it and coast in for an easy empty net score.
- Another counterattack set up Wilson's second score, this time with Annie Smith (So., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown) doing the solo work dribbling up the field. About 25 yards in front of the goal she was able to crossover her defender to the left side before booting it just inside the right post in the 26th minute. The Phoenix were able to hold that advantage for the rest of the half.
- Shaffer put the finishing touches on the offensive scoring with another beautiful goal while avoiding a pair of Lions' defenders. Going from right to left, after she ran by the last Bryn Athyn defender, the Lions' keeper came out to confront Shaffer. Shaffer was able to dribble around her and was once again left with an empty net for the score.
Inside The Numbers
- Despite the final score, it took a total team effort to preserve the shutout, Wilson's ninth of the season. Bryn Athyn outshot the Phoenix 21-11 overall and 14-8 in shots on goal.
- In addition to Ebersole's baker's dozen on the save count, the Phoenix backline of Sydney Bradshaw (So., Annandale, Va. / Stonebridge), Julia Elliott (Sr., Annapolis, Md. / Broadneck), Jade Wolfe (Sr., Mercersburg, Pa. / James Madison), Kayla Richards (Sr., Hagerstown, Md. / North Hagerstown / Shepherd), and Skylar Molnar (Sr., Shohola, Pa. / Delaware Valley) disrupted numerous chances with one of them adding a team save in the final moments.
- Shaffer's two goals give her nine four the season. She is now tied for 23rd nationally for the most career goals by active student-athletes in Division III.
- Smith's goal gives her seven on the season.
Up Next
Wilson will host Keystone as part of a men's and women's doubleheader. The Tuesday twin bill will kickoff at 2 p.m.
