LEWISBURG, Pa. – An early second half goal and yet another shutdown performance from the defense helped Villanova to its third straight shutout win, taking down Bucknell 1-0 on Sunday at Emmitt Field at Holmes Stadium.
The win is the first road victory for Villanova (3-2) since a 3-0 win at Marquette on Oct. 17, 2024. It is also the fifth win in the series with Bucknell (1-4) and the first when playing in Lewisburg. The three consecutive shutouts mark the second time in as many seasons that the Wildcats have pieced together a trio of clean-sheet wins.
Amalia Cardo and Hannah Curtain linked up for the second time in three games to give Villanova the winning edge it needed as Cardo placed a beautiful free kick in front of Curtin for the 48
th minute goal. Cardo has had an assist in three consecutive games to move to a team-high five points on the year. now leads the team with five points. Curtin's two goals on the season are also a team-high.
Hannah Dickinson grabbed two saves in her third solo shutout of the year, bringing her to nine in her Villanova career.
Curtin looked for
Avrie Nelsen in the 23
rd minute just in front of the net to get the first scoring push for the 'Cats. Curtin sent a long cross from the right corner deep inside the 18-yard box for a charging Nelsen, but Reese Dolan was able to punch away the cross before Nelsen could reach it.
By the halftime break, both sides had landed just one of their three shot attempts on frame with both keepers being called into action to corral those attempts.
It took Villanova three minutes into the second half to make the break it needed with Curtin being in the right place at the right time in front of the net.
Villanova was awarded a free kick in the 48
th minute on the left side of the 18-yard box.
Amalia Cardo lined up for the set piece, sending it into the box to perfectly place it in front of Curtin just inside the six-yard box. The graduate made a hop to get it into the bottom left corner of the net for the 1-0 lead.
A handball in the penalty box gave Bucknell a chance to level the contest in the 72
nd minute. Riley Hayes lined up for penalty kick but sent it flying over the net, keeping the one-goal lead in place for the 'Cats.
Shots came up an even 10-10 between the Wildcats and Bison with Villanova holding a 4-2 edge for shots on target. Curtin and Cardo led the Blue and White with three shots each while Bucknell's Hayes led all players on the pitch with four attempts. Dolan made three saves.
Villanova is back in action next Sunday as the Wildcats come back home to host Lehigh. First kick with the Mountain Hawks is set for 4 p.m. at Higgins Soccer Complex.
