Schaffer leads Tribe women to shutout over Villanova 1-0

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The William and Mary women's soccer team recorded its fourth-straight victory with a 1-0 triumph at Villanova on Friday morning.  Senior Mallory Schaffer provided the game-winner off an assist from classmate Cortlyn Bristol in the 80th minute. The win improves the College's record to 4-2, while Villanova falls to 1-4-2.

Tribe Senior Mallory Schaffer | Courtesy TribeAthletics.com

"It was a really good win for us", head coach John Daly said.  "We generated some good chances in the first-half, but our cohesion wasn't what we would like it to be.  Caroline (Casey) made a great save late in the half, keeping them scoreless.  In the second-half, we started much better and jumped out to a good start. Mallory's (Schaffer) goal was brilliant - she spun off a defender, receiving a great pass from Cortlyn (Bristol) for the game-winner."

In the opening half, both squads threatened with scoring chances but were unable to get on the board.  Senior Erin Liberatore generated a good look on frame in the 12th minute, but was turned away by Villanova senior keeper Kelsey Quinn.  Minutes later, W&M freshman goalie Carolina Casey denied Nova's first attempt on frame.  For the remainder of the half, junior Dani Rutter and freshman Leci Irvin generated shots on goal that resulted in Villanova saves.  Casey held the Wildcats scoreless through the opening 45 minutes, as she recorded three saves.

Taking control of the flow, the Tribe began second-half action firing off four shots before the Wildcats managed to take one.  Bristol recorded two of the attempts, while Schaffer's shot hit the crossbar.  After generating multiple quality looks, W&M hit pay dirt in the 80th minute when Schaffer netted Bristol's feed for the game-winning score. The goal marked Schaffer's fifth of the season and the 13th game-winner of her career. 

Although Villanova held a narrow 16-15 edge in shots, W&M owned a 10-7 advantage in the second half. For the year, W&M continued its strong second-period play, as it has now outscored its opponents, 7-0, following the intermission.    

The Tribe returns to action Sunday, Sept. 9, against Seton Hall in a contest slated to start at 1:30 p.m. at Villanova's Soccer Complex.  Fans can follow the action online at TribeAthletics.com with live stats.