Sept. 1, 2006

Box Score
Colgate-Robert Morris Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - In a game where defense was in control on both sides, it seemed fitting that the only score of the game would be put into the goal by a defender. Freshman Kelly Eagan (St. James, N.Y.) headed a ball into the top of the net in the 68th minute on Friday afternoon and Villanova (4-0) defeated Hartford (1-2) by a score of 1-0 in the Wildcats first game at their own home tournament.

It was a wet and windy day at the West Campus Soccer Complex and both teams used strong defensive play to shut down offensive opportunities. Villanova, however, created six corner kicks in the second half and a set piece on one of those corners led to the team's goal. Junior Kayce Blandford (Columbia, Md.) sent a ball into the box that appeared headed to freshman Erin Byrnes (Sayville, N.Y.). Eagan, who in just four games has shown a knack for getting shots off of set plays, headed the ball and watched it hit the inside of the crossbar. The ball bounced up and down inside the goal before Hawks goalkeeper Liz Cook could get a touch on it.

The ball moved quickly in all directions during a steady rain that fell during the game, while strong winds provided a challenge to the goalkeepers on both sides. The Wildcats owned an 11-8 shot advantage for the game and a 7-0 edge in corner kicks. Hartford forward Meagan Riemer led all players with four shots.

In goal for Villanova, junior Jillian Loyden (Vineland, N.J.) recorded four saves while picking up her second solo shutout of the season and 16th of her career. Cook made three saves in the net for the Hawks.

The Wildcats have averaged better than seven corner kicks per game thus far on the season and Eagan has come up with five shots off of them. Her tally today marked the first collegiate goal for Eagan, who is part of a Villanova defense that has surrendered just one goal through the first four games. The Wildcats have outscored the opposition 8-1 in their 4-0 start to the season.

In the first game of the day, Colgate scored once in each half to defeat Robert Morris 2-0. Villanova will play against Robert Morris in the 2 p.m. game on Sunday afternoon, while Colgate will face Hartford at 11 a.m. in the earlier game that day.

NOTES: This season marks the fifth time in the last six years that Villanova has been unbeaten through four games.