On Sunday, Aug. 31, the Orange and Blue Women’s Soccer team hosted the Villanova Wildcats on Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium. 

The first half was a more centralized game, with the ball primarily staying in the middle of the field. Both squads’ defenses played a strong game, allowing very few shots on goal. The Wildcats and Bison attempted 10 shots each, and Villanova led 5-2 in corner kicks. 

The only goal of the game was scored by Nova two minutes into the second half, after the Orange and Blue’s defense committed a costly foul right outside the edge of the box. With a set piece from Villanova, they sent a service in that was redirected by a teammate passing Bison goalkeeper Reese Dolan ’28 and into the net.

After letting up the goal, the Bison offense searched for an attack to retaliate. In the 72nd minute, the Orange and Blue had a chance to even the game when a shot from Riley Hayes ’27 was blocked by the arm of a Villanova defender inside the box. This rewarded the Bison with a penalty kick, but Hayes sailed the ball over the bar. 

In the 78th minute, the Orange and Blue had another chance after Ava Palladino ’28 found some space for a shot on net, but the Villanova goalkeeper made a great save. 

After this game, the Bison are now 1-4 on the season. 

The Orange and Blue will be on the road for their next two games, facing Saint Francis (PA) on Thursday, Sept.4, and Pittsburgh on Sunday, Sept. 7.