The University of Pennsylvania women’s soccer team secured a 2-1 victory over Saint Joseph’s on Thursday night at Rhodes Field. With this win, the Quakers improve their record to 4-0-2, while the Hawks fall to 3-4.
The Quakers have maintained an undefeated streak through their first six matches, mirroring the strong start made by the 2022 squad. Sophomore Haley Adamsky scored for a second consecutive match and has already surpassed her goal total from last season. Junior goalkeeper Megan Graves faced a season-high 12 shots and achieved a career-best six saves in her second career start. Senior Anuli Okafor registered an assist in each of her last two matches, setting a new personal best with two assists this season. The Red and Blue are currently the only undefeated team in the Ivy League.
The match began quickly with Saint Joseph’s taking an early lead just 17 seconds after kickoff. Freshman midfielder Chelsea Leal played the ball back to Emily Hanrahan, who then passed forward to Sarah Fisher for the opening goal. The Hawks maintained pressure during the opening minutes, but Penn responded in the 14th minute when Taylor Ferraro delivered a corner kick to Leah Finkelman at the top of the box. Finkelman found Avery Chapel, who finished with a one-timer to equalize.
Both teams traded opportunities throughout the remainder of the first half, with Penn recording five shots and Saint Joseph’s three.
In the second half, three yellow cards were issued as both sides continued playing intensely. At minute 65, Magali Capdevila took a shot that hit the outside of the near post for Penn. Later on, Hawks defender Jailyn Parrotte forced Graves into another save following a turnover.
The decisive moment came in the 79th minute when Graves sent a long goal kick downfield that reached Okafor on the sideline. As Hawks’ goalkeeper Peyton Radwanski rushed out of position, Okafor played it past her toward Adamsky, who scored into an open net.
Saint Joseph’s had one final opportunity late in regulation as Maddie Anderson struck a free kick off the crossbar; Hanrahan attempted to convert on the rebound but was denied by Penn’s defense.
Penn will look to continue its strong form when they host Villanova on Sunday at Rhodes Field.
