PROVIDENCE, R.I. – The Brown women’s soccer team is set to host the Penn Quakers as they continue their Ivy League schedule. This anticipated match will air live on ESPN+, and fans attending the game are encouraged to participate in the annual ‘Pink Out’ event by wearing pink to support breast cancer awareness.
Overview of the Brown Bears
The Brown Bears enter the match with a noteworthy record of 7 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws (7-2-2, 1-1-0) for the season. In the Ivy League preseason poll, the team was predicted to finish second, securing six first-place votes, affirming their competitiveness within the league.
During the non-conference segment of the season, Brown excelled with a record of 6-1-2. The season commenced with a remarkable streak of three consecutive victories, outscoring opponents New Haven, Rhode Island, and UConn 7-2 combined. Their only defeat occurred against a highly rated Minnesota team, which received national ranking votes in the preseason.
Following the Minnesota match, the Bears rebounded strong, winning against Northeastern 2-0. They performed admirably against ranked opponents, tying Wake Forest (currently 12th in the nation) 1-1 on the road and then drawing 1-1 against Hofstra. They later secured back-to-back victories with a decisive 4-0 win over both Central Connecticut State and Providence College.
In their Ivy League debut, Brown triumphed over Yale 5-2 but faced a setback with a 2-1 loss to Columbia.
Key Players
- Naya Cardoza: The senior defender is tied for the Ivy League lead in goals with six and has earned multiple Ivy League Player of the Week honors this season.
- Joy Okonye: The junior midfielder tops the league in assists with five and shares the lead in total points (15) with Cardoza.
Overall, the Bears have outscored their opponents 25-10, demonstrating offensive strength while outshooting rivals 194 to 79.
Scouting the Penn Quakers
The Penn Quakers, currently holding a record of 4 wins, 2 draws, and 3 losses (4-2-3, 0-1-1), were ranked T-6th in the Ivy League preseason predictions. They began the season on a high note, achieving a 5-0 victory over Mount Saint Mary’s.
After the strong opener, Penn recorded a tie against Drexel and victories over George Mason and Fairleigh Dickinson. However, they faced a tough contest against Lafayette, ending in a 2-2 draw, followed by a narrow win against St. Joseph’s (2-1). Their initial loss came at the hands of Villanova, losing the match 3-1 on their home turf. In Ivy League play, the Quakers fell to Princeton 1-0 and managed a draw against Dartmouth (1-1).
Team Highlights
- Coached by Krissy Turner, who began her tenure in 2022, the Quakers benefit from her extensive experience, boasting over 300 career wins, mainly accrued during her 24 years at Monmouth.
- Abbey Cook: The junior forward leads the team with three goals.
- Anuli Okafor and Taylor Ferraro: Both share the team lead in assists with two each.
Penn has outscored their opponents 14-9 this season, with a shots ratio of 104 to 81.
Historical Context
The historical matchup between Brown and Penn favors the Bears, with a record of 19 wins, 13 losses, and 5 draws against the Quakers. Brown has had the upper hand recently, winning four of the last five encounters. Their most recent matchup ended in a scoreless draw.
Supporting Brown Athletics
The Brown University Sports Foundation plays an essential role in the athletics program, enhancing the experience for student-athletes through charitable contributions from alumni, parents, and fans. Your support directly impacts the success of today’s Brown Bears, fostering excellence in academics, competition, and community involvement. To learn more about supporting the Bears, please visit the Brown University Sports Foundation.
Stay Connected
For the latest updates on Brown Athletics, follow @BrownU_Bears on Twitter and @BrownU_Bears on Instagram. Like BrownUBears on Facebook and subscribe to the BrownAthletics YouTube channel.
