Villanova downs Marquette, 4-1, at Valley Fields

Sept. 28, 2017

MILWAUKEE - The Marquette University women's soccer team lost to Villanova for the first time in series history on Thursday night at Valley Fields by a 4-1 result.

The Golden Eagles (7-4-1, 0-2 BIG EAST) were never able to get much going on the evening and trailed 1-0 at the half. Their lone goal came in the 83rd minute off an own goal on an Erin Johnston corner kick. Johnston's kick came in low from the right side and hit a VU defender near the goalmouth.

MU drops its third straight contest and falls to 0-2 in BIG EAST Conference action for the first time in its 13-year affiliation with the league.

Villanova (5-6-0, 1-1 BIG EAST) picked up its first victory over MU in nine tries as Emily Kuefler posted a pair of goals, while Kristin Barbour, Amanda Vocelka each added goals of their own.

The Wildcats struck first in the 18th minute as a Barbour cross from deep on the right side found Kuefler in the goal area for a header into the middle of the net.

Barbour capitalized on an MU foul in the box in the 51st minute with a penalty kick goal before Vocelka and Kuefler tallied another pair of goals over the next 18 minutes.

Marquette's best looks in the first frame came on an Eli Beard shot from 20 yards out in the 20th minute and a Madison Dunker header in the 33rd minute.

Freshman Maddie Monticello made her first career start for MU at right back in place of Mary Kate Simon and played 69 minutes.

The Golden Eagles lead the all-time series 8-1 against the Wildcats and had outscored Villanova 12-0 entering tonight's contest. MU claimed last season's match by a score of 2-0 in Pennsylvania as the since-graduated Liz Bartels posted a goal midway through the opening half and VU added an own goal in the 47th minute.

Marquette resumes conference action on Sunday, Oct. 1 at St. John's in a noon Central time match broadcast live on the BIG EAST Digital Network through FOX Sports Go with Jay Alter on the call.

Keep up with the Marquette women's soccer program through social media by following on Twitter (@MUWomensSoccer) and Instagram (@MarquetteWSOC) and 'liking' on Facebook (/MUWomensSoccer). Fans interested in tickets can contact the Marquette Ticket Office onlineor at 414-288-GOMU (4668).