Searching for its first win since Aug. 29, Villanova women’s soccer was set to face off against two Big East rivals in four days.
On Thursday, Sept. 26, the Wildcats took on Creighton and earned a much-needed 2-0 victory. They then matched up against No. 21 Xavier on Sunday, Sept. 29, in which the Wildcats suffered their first Big East loss of the season, 3-0. The decisions give the ‘Cats a 4-5-2 overall record and a 1-1-1 conference record, currently fifth in the Big East.
Thursday’s game against the Bluejays was only the second game this season in which Villanova scored multiple goals. Villanova had nine shots compared to Creighton’s 15, but the Wildcats made the most of their opportunities.
The first goal came from senior forward Lauren Belcuore off an assist from senior midfielder Susanna Soderman in the 16th minute. The ‘Cats scored again in the 68th minute as sophomore midfielder Gabby Koluch converted from the penalty spot.
Villanova’s defense played well, recording its fifth shutout of the season. Junior goalkeeper Hannah Dickinson continued her stellar season, making eight saves and earning a clean sheet.
“Defending and attacking go hand-in-hand in soccer,” Villanova head coach Samar Azem said. “The way you set up defensively leads to how you attack.”
After its win in Omaha, Villanova then faced its toughest matchup yet this season, hosting Xavier. The Musketeers were the ‘Cats’ first nationally-ranked opponent of 2024.
The Wildcats went down early, allowing a goal within three minutes. They managed to stay competitive for most of the match, keeping it a one-goal game for the rest of the first half and some of the second half. Xavier proved to be too much for the ‘Cats, as the Musketeers put in two more goals in the 71st minute and 79th minute.
“The difference is the tempo,” Azem said about the two games this weekend. “Xavier’s tempo was a lot faster. Xavier’s system was very different from Creighton’s. It’s a unique system, it’s very hard to play against. Creighton’s very good but it’s a very different game.”
Dickinson finished the day with nine saves after the Musketeers produced 24 shots, 12 of which were on frame. Dickinson was named to the Big East weekly honor roll alongside graduate defender Olivia Neal, the anchor of Villanova’s backline.
“I want to continue to be us,” Azem said. “I like where this team is at.”
Conference play continues for the Wildcats on Thursday, Oct. 3, as they face off against DePaul at home at 4 p.m. After DePaul, the team will not be back in action until Sunday Oct. 13, when it faces St. John’s at home.
