Women's Soccer Upends Ursinus, 2-0

Sydney West
Sydney West
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HAVERFORD, Pa. – The Haverford College women's soccer team returned to its winning ways on Wednesday afternoon with a 2-0 home victory over Ursinus. With seniors Grace Mathis and Sydney West as the goal scorers, the Fords' (6-3, 3-1 CC) win over the Bears (4-5-2, 1-4 CC) marked the first for any players on this year's team after a scoreless draw when these teams met a season ago.

The Fords scored both of their goals during the opening half. Mathis broke through early on during Haverford's first offensive chance of the match. Finishing a corner that was put into play by West, Mathis was there for the header near the goal line to make it 1-0 just 7:12 into regulation time. Mathis now has a team-leading four goals and 12 points. Today's tally was the 10th of her collegiate career. Her game-winning goal versus Ursinus was her second of the season, with her first coming against Eastern. That game-winner against the Eagles started the Fords' latest stretch where they have won six of their last seven matches.

West added Haverford's insurance goal was just under 13 minutes remaining before the half as she lifted a shot from the wing over the outstretched arms of the Bears' goalie. Her goal was her second this season and third of her career with all of her goals coming against Centennial Conference foes. Coupled with her 10th career assist on the corner earlier in the half, West's three points marked a new career high for her personally in a single game.

Although the Fords were unable to add to their lead in the second half, they certainly created numerous opportunities throughout the remaining time. Katie Safter had a nice look early in the second half, only to see her shot bounce directly down off of the crossbar but never quite crossing over the line. Later in the half, Isabella Gross saw her scoring chance glance off of the post in her bid for the third goal of the contest.

Haverford finished the match with a commanding 13-2 advantage in shots and 6-1 edge in corner kick attempts. Julie Hanss stopped both of those Ursinus shot attempts, including a second half penalty kick as the Fords were whistled for a hand ball in the box. The Bears' only other shot on Wednesday afternoon came from well outside of the 18 on a direct kick that was sent towards goal. Hanss' shutout was her first solo shutout of the year after also starting in goal against Eastern before being replaced in the second half. The junior now has nine career shutouts and has been a part of three other combined efforts.

Women's soccer will be back at home this Saturday for another crucial Centennial Conference contest against Gettysburg. That match is scheduled to get underway at 1 p.m. on Walton Field.