Head coach Mike Idland knew that if his team kept providing the effort the wins would come.
He was right, as the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford women's soccer team picked up its first victory of the season Wednesday night, topping Juniata 2-0 at the Kessel Athletic Complex.
"That was another solid effort from the team today," Idland said. "I thought we had more rhythm in our attacking play, which is still a work in progress, and we defended tough as usual."
Kaitlyn Donnelly and Jamie Christensen led the Panthers with one goal each, while Sarah Dailey continued her incredible start with her first shutout of the season.
"It was a treat to watch Kaitlyn Donnelly, whom I though brought the game to life with all of her creativity and invention on the ball," Idland said. "It was just a really great team effort today."
Donnelly gave the Panthers all the offense they would need in the 15th minute, beating the keeper to the back left corner of the net.
Pitt-Bradford then took advantage of an Eagles' handball in the box. The penalty kick went off the keeper's hands, but Christensen came flying in and drilled the rebound into the back of the open net, giving the Panthers a 2-0 lead in the 73rd minute.
Juniata's offense was relentless in the second half, but Dailey was magnificent, making countless saves on each of the Eagles' scoring chances.
The Panthers improve to 1-2 with the victory, while the Eagles fell to 1-2 on the season.
Pitt-Bradford returns to action Saturday afternoon at Buffalo State at 3.
