COLLEGEVILLE, Pa. – Behind stout defense and another brilliant performance from junior goaltender Sabrina Doherty, the Ursinus College (2-0-1) women's soccer team hung on for a scoreless draw on Wednesday night against Arcadia.
For the first time in program history, the Bears begin the season with three straight shutouts. While the defense has played admirably throughout the team's first three games, allowing just seven shots on goal, Doherty has shown why she garnered back-to-back All-Centennial Conference honors. The junior goalkeeper recorded a season-high four saves in her 11th career clean sheet as the Knights fired 17 shots towards the Ursinus goal.
In the 27th minute, Doherty made a leaping grab at a ball headed for the upper right corner. She once again came up big in the second half, tipping a ball over the crossbar.
Throughout the game, Arcadia generated a plethora of scoring chances, keeping the Ursinus defense on its heels. However, for everything that Arcadia threw at Ursinus, the Bears defense and Doherty had answers.
The Knights earned 10 corner kicks, seven of which came in the second half. Despite a few close calls, the Bears were able to clear each attempt out of harm's way.
The Bears recorded five shots, two of which were on goal. Freshman Morgan Raley had a shot on goal in the 26th minute and then it was Kelly Gardus in the 74th who put one on goal that was turned away by the keeper.
Both teams had chances in overtime, with the Bears dominating possession over the final five minutes. However, neither team was able to get one through to break the tie.
Notes
- Doherty's shutout is her third straight to start the season and the 11th of her career.
- The Bears begin their season with three straight shutouts for the first time in program history.
- The last time the Bears tied 0-0 was last season against Lebanon Valley.
- The Bears defense held off 10 Arcadia corner kicks.
- Ursinus' 2-0-1 start is its best through three games since the team started 3-0 in 2010
What's Next
The Bears will have a week off before traveling to Penn State Brandywine next Wednesday.