{"id":2348,"date":"2025-08-15T17:49:04","date_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:49:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/15\/michigan-comes-out-on-top-in-late-game-frenzy-defeating-villanova-2-1\/"},"modified":"2025-08-15T17:49:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-15T17:49:06","slug":"michigan-comes-out-on-top-in-late-game-frenzy-defeating-villanova-2-1","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tmbglobal.news\/index.php\/2025\/08\/15\/michigan-comes-out-on-top-in-late-game-frenzy-defeating-villanova-2-1\/","title":{"rendered":"Michigan comes out on top in late-game frenzy, defeating Villanova 2-1"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Coming off two losses<\/a> in its previous exhibition games, the Michigan women\u2019s soccer team played as if those defeats were still weighing on its back, not making many significant moves as it played from behind against Villanova for most of the season-opening match.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A late-game spark pushed the Wolverines (1-0) ahead of the Wildcats (0-1), and Michigan officially started its season on a high note with a 2-1 victory.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Play was even for the first half \u2014 there were a mix of wide shots, yellow cards and hydration breaks. Michigan pushed early and had its first shot on goal around the fourth minute when freshman midfielder Maya Raghunandanan ran down the sideline uncontested, cutting in around the 18-yard line to take a shot that reflected off the Wildcats\u2019 goalie. Villanova had its first real look at the net around the 10th minute with an unreachable corner kick being placed in the back right of the 18-yard box, keeping the contest at 0-0.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By halftime, the Wolverines still hadn\u2019t established themselves, but neither had their opponents. The ball took its turn with each team and only produced eight shots total between both, with one save in goal by senior goalkeeper Sophie Homan. The Wildcats had five opportunities to score on corner kicks \u2014 compared to Michigan\u2019s one \u2014 yet still couldn\u2019t seal the deal.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Scoreless, the Wolverines needed to implement adjustments to put the ball in the back of the net.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cI think sometimes you have to get settled into the game and recognize what it is giving you,\u201d Wolverines coach Jennifer Klein said. \u201cAnd for us it was definitely finding the highest options.\u201d<\/p>\n

Play action stayed equal for most of the second half. Trying to utilize their highest options and settle in, sophomore forward Ellie Ervin and senior midfielder Jenna Lang were top contenders up front all night. Ervin drove, shoulder to shoulder, with the Wildcats\u2019 defense as Lang found the ball at her foot for a few far outside shots on goal.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

It wasn\u2019t until the 69th minute where the excitement really began. In the 6-yard box Homan reached up to deflect a ball and collided with a Villanova player who was hoping to head the ball into the goal. The play was ruled to be worthy of a penalty kick in favor of the Wildcats.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Michigan needed a stop, but Villanova fought hard for a goal. From the penalty spot, the ball soared, hit the right side goal post and bounced in.\u00a0<\/p>\n

With the score now 1-0, Michigan tried to tie the game as it heightened its pace, constantly weaving through Villanova\u2019s defense. Deflecting off a Wildcat player, Michigan was granted an opportunity at its third and final corner kick of the night.\u00a0<\/p>\n

In the corner, junior defender Jewell Campbell sent the ball out in the middle of the 6-yard box, pulling the Villanova goalie with it. The ball skimmed through her sticky, padded gloves and Ervin blasted it with the crest of her head, placing it in the bottom center of the goal in the 77th minute.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cA big thing is implementing our style of working, being really consistent, and showing up,\u201d Klein said. \u201cNo matter the momentum of the game, (we have to) find some good moments of transition and finish the attack.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tied and under pressure from the Wildcats, Michigan grabbed the lead nine minutes later in the 86th minute. Assisted by Ervin, junior forward Gabrielle Prych slotted the ball in the bottom center of the net, pulling the Wolverines ahead 2-1.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Villanova kept the heaters on and made its presence seen on the Wolverines\u2019 defensive line. But it wasn\u2019t enough as the countdown from 10 seconds echoed across the field, and the game ended from the loud blare of a horn.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cWe stayed and believed in our ability to generate some chances,\u201d Klein said. \u201cShowcasing our feasibility to get a result on the road gives us some confidence, and now celebrate it tonight and then tomorrow, get right back to work.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Wildcats\u2019 initial surge only fired Michigan to come back stronger. And with that late-game wake-up call, the Wolverines found the spark that allowed them to start their season off victorious.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n