Box Score 

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Junior Adrian Vitello and freshman Maggie Wadsworth scored goals while freshman goalkeeper Sam Miller made a career-high nine saves as the Lehigh women's soccer team earned its sixth straight shutout to begin the season, defeating Villanova 2-0 on Sunday afternoon. The six shutouts to begin a season marks a program record as Lehigh improves to 5-0-1, its longest unbeaten streak to begin a year since 2005 (seven games).
 
The biggest story for Lehigh continues to be its defense. Overall, the Mountain Hawks' shutout streak has reached 633:57 dating back to lats season.
 
"Villanova is a good team," said Lehigh head coach Eric Lambinus. "At times, we played well and at times, we were a little bit slow. Overall, it was good to battle for 90 minutes and find a way to score two goals."
 
Miller came up with some big stops all game, especially early on as she made four saves within the first 22 minutes to keep the game scoreless. Included were stops at the 1:13 and 6:29 marks to keep Villanova off the scoreboard.
 
"Defensively, we came out a little bit slowly at the beginning," said Lambinus. "Sam made a couple really good saves to keep us composed then as the first half went along, we played ourselves into the game a little more."

The Mountain Hawks took advantage of the momentum. In the 31st minute, Wadsworth created a penalty kick, which Vitello took. Vitello's initial shot was saved, but she put home the rebound for her second goal of the season, giving Lehigh a 1-0 lead at 30:45.
 
Miller again came up big late in the half, making three saves over the final four minutes - her fifth, sixth and seventh stops of the half - to keep the Mountain Hawks on top 1-0 after 45 minutes of play.
 
Lehigh's defense stood tall in the second half, giving up nine shots, but only two of which were on goal. The Mountain Hawks added insurance late in the game as Wadsworth beat Villanova goalkeeper Emmalee Meyer with a high shot to give her squad a 2-0 lead in the 89th minute.
 
"In the second half, they pushed us a little bit. We gave up a bunch of shots in the second half, but I thought we were better defensively," said Lambinus. "Then at the end of the game, we had a good counter. It was good to get that second goal and put the game away."
 
Final shots were 18-6 in favor of Villanova while the Wildcats held a 5-1 edge in corner kicks. Miller made nine saves while Meyer finished with two.
 
Lehigh now looks ahead to the beginning of Patriot League play on Saturday at Holy Cross. Opening kickoff is set for 3 p.m.
 
"We should have confidence because we're playing really well defensively and we're scoring goals," said Lambinus. "We still need to be more consistent. We should have good confidence, but our record is 0-0 right now (in the league). This is what we work all offseason for. The goal of nonleague is to play at our best come Patriot League. If we continue playing well, we'll give ourselves a chance to win."
 
Like Lehigh Women's Soccer on Facebook, follow on Twitter and Instagram for continued updates on the Mountain Hawks.

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