VILLANOVA, PA – Makenzie Rodrigues (Seattle, WA, Forest Ridge HS) scored the game-winning goal and Ellie Sciancalepore (Randolph, NJ, Randolph HS) made seven saves as Rider University women's soccer team earned a 1-0 win over at Villanova Thursday night at Higgins Soccer Complex. The Broncs remain undefeated with a 2-0 record, while Villanova falls to 0-2-1.

After a scoreless first half, Rodrigues scored the game-winning goal to the left upper 90 in the 52^nd minute of the game. Sciancalepore completed her shutout with five of her seven saves in the second half. 

Despite a 22-7 discrepancy in shots, Rider kept Villanova off the scoreboard. The Broncs were able to hold off the Wildcats for the remainder 38 minutes of competition despite six corner kick attempts. The Broncs will resume competition this Sunday, Aug. 28, at 2 p.m. at Delaware State.
 
QUOTES & NOTES
"Conditions were very tough today with the excessive heat. We had a game plan that went no where in the first half and to be fair Villanova had the better of the game by a mile. That being said we defended with discipline and Ellie was strong in goal giving us a chance to change tactics at half time. 2nd half we played more counter attacking soccer which allowed Makenzie the opportunity to score. The group executed well and we were able to see the game out, defending well and Ellie making some big time saves." -  Rider Head Coach Drayson Hounsome

- Rider wins it's first ever match against Villanova 1-0. The Broncs brings the overall series to 1-2 with games dating back to 2003 and 2021.
- Sciancalepore made seven saves for the Broncs. It was her 14th performance of five saves or more in the past two seasons as a Bronc.
- Dees, Anna Barkey (Parker, CO, Legend HS), Rodrigues, Sciancalepore, Karagh Tait (Swadlincote, Derbyshire, England, Derbyshire HS), and Emma Cordero (Bristow, VA, Patriot HS) all played 90 minutes.  
 
BRONCS BY THE NUMBERS
- Rodrigues contributed the first two points of her senior season with her 16th career goal.
- Sciancalepore recorded her 5^th career shut out
- Villanova took a 7-5 advantage in shots on goal and 12-1 edge in corners.