MIDDLETOWN, Pa. - Penn State Harrisburg's women's soccer team advanced in the United East Championship Tournament thanks to a 1-0 shutout victory over Wilson in quarterfinal action on Saturday afternoon, Oct. 31.
Olivia Sgrignioli's first-half goal was the difference maker, holding up as the game's lone marker. Penn State Harrisburg's defense was also stout and did not surrender a single shot on frame.
The Lions (9-5-2) controlled much of the possession to begin the game, earning three corner kicks and getting off four shots in the first 20 minutes. The home team broke through when Sgrignioli lofted a pretty shot over the head of Wilson goalkeeper Madison Ebersole from straightaway outside the box with 20:19 remaining in the opening half.
Penn State Harrisburg continued to possess the ball for the rest of the half and well into the second but Ebersole made double-digit stops for the Phoenix (4-14-1) to keep things within reach. But the Lions were stingy on the defensive side of the field and kept the visitors from getting off a single attempt in the second half to preserve the lead and secure the shutout win.
NOTABLES
- The Lions outshot Wilson 21-1 overall and 13-0 in shots on goal.
- Penn State Harrisburg finished with a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
- Sgrignioli's goal was her eighth of the season.
- Sgrignioli and Julia Hughes combined for seven shots on frame.
- The shutout victory was Penn State Harrisburg's eighth clean sheet of the fall.
WHO'S NEXT?
The top-seeded Lions are set to host Lancaster Bible for United East Tournament Semifinal action on Wednesday night with a berth in the conference title game on the line.
STAY CONNECTED
Fans can keep up with Penn State Harrisburg Athletics all season long on Instagram, Facebook, X, and Youtube using the handle @pshbgathletics.
