Aug. 21, 2007

ST. DAVIDS, Pa. - The first look at the 2007 women's soccer team was a good one on Tuesday afternoon, as Villanova edged North Carolina State 1-0 in an exhibition game played at Olsen Field on the campus of Eastern University. In the only preseason game for each side, the Wildcats scored the only goal of the game on a corner kick with just over three minutes remaining in regulation time.

The teams played through a steady rainfall for much of the game and both sides eventually saw good scoring opportunities pass without coming to fruition. Villanova owned a 14-7 edge in shots for the game, firing seven shots in each half.

With time winding down in the second half, the Wildcats were awarded one of their four corner kicks in the contest. Senior Kayce Blandford (Columbia, Md.) sent the ball in from the right side and it was never touched before settling into the left side of the net for the game's lone score.

Senior Jillian Loyden (Vineland, N.J.) and sophomore Molly Williams (Hinsdale, Ill.) each split time in goal for Villanova. Loyden played the first 61 minutes and Williams the final 29 with each player making two saves.

The best scoring opportunity for the Wolfpack came on a breakaway one-on-one from the right side in the opening minutes of the second half. Loyden deflected the ball away from the net from point-blank range and the Wildcats cleared the ball on the ensuing North Carolina State corner kick.

Villanova picked up its attack late in the second half before finally breaking the scoreless tie. Sydney Little and Rachel Barnette each played one half in goal and combined to make three saves.

The Wildcats open the regular season next Friday when the team hosts the Villanova Tournament to open the season. Villanova takes on Lafayette on August 31 at 1:30 p.m. in the first game of the tournament.