Box Score

PITTSBURGH – The University of Pittsburgh women’s soccer team improved to 3-1-1 on Friday after knocking off Villanova (0-4-0), 2-0, at Ambrose Urbanic Field.

“The key was getting a goal in each of the two halves early on,” said head coach Greg Miller. “We were able to establish ourselves early and put some pressure on them. We talked at halftime about how it would take another goal to win the game. We answered the call and hung on.”

The shutout was Pitt’s third of the season, adding to both the Panthers’ and junior goalkeeper Taylor Francis’ league-leading total.

The Panthers have now outscored their opponents 10-2 on the year and have tallied 118 shots to their foes’ 53. They’ve also doubled the total shots on goal of their opponents, 63-28.

Pitt’s first strike came in only the fourth minute as sophomore Taylor Pryceand freshman Jarena Harmon combined on the attack. Pryce flipped the ball to Harmon just as she entered the goal box, allowing the freshman to finish inside the far post. It was Harmon’s fourth goal of the year, good for the team lead.

The Panthers continued to work in the second half to stretch their lead, again turning to the combination of Pryce and Harmon. In the 49^th minute, Arvas delivered a ball from the corner which Harmon handled and directed to Pryce, who finished. She flipped a soft lob over the keeper for her second goal of the season, making the score 2-0 where it would remain.

The Panthers will next host La Salle on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Ambrose Urbanic Field.