The women’s soccer team beat Rutgers at the West Campus Soccer Complex Sunday afternoon with a 1-0 victory. The Wildcats had not beaten the Scarlet Knights since 2005, but this weekend’s close game proved to be different. It was junior forward Katie Ryan’s goal in the 37th minute that brought the Wildcats the win.

The clutch, first-half goal was Ryan’s sixth of the season. The play started with junior forward Megan Verdeur who found sophomore forward Heidi Sabatura.

Sabatura passed to Ryan, who dribbled toward the Scarlet Knights’ goal and sailed a shot to the back of the net.

After the lone goal in the first half, it was tough defense and strong goal keeping that kept the Wildcats ahead. ‘Nova held on to a halftime lead for the 81st consecutive game. In the last 28 minutes of play Rutgers attempted seven unanswered shots. The ‘Cats’ strpmg defensive skills and two saves by freshman goalkeeper Jami Kranich kept Villanova on top.

The Scarlet Knights were awarded four corner kicks in the last 14 minutes of the game. Gina DeMaio from Rutgers shot the last attempt on goal that sailed a couple of inches left of the net with 11 seconds on the clock.

Rutgers goalkeeper Sam Perretty tallied four saves on the day. First, there were the impressive back-to-back stops in the opening minutes. Verdeur attempted a strong shot in the sixth minute that was deflected by Perretty.

The ball was snatched up by freshman midfielder Channing Press who took another shot at goal, but Perretty was able to deny the second shot.

Sunday’s game was the first of a string of home games for the ‘Cats. Tomorrow Villanova will host Marquette at 4 p.m. On Sunday the team will host University of South Florida at 1 p.m. Both games will take place on the West Campus Soccer Complex.