Wednesday, September 24
Villanova, Pa.
3:00 p.m.
Creighton University
4-5-1, 1-1-0
1
at
0
Villanova
6-4-0, 1-1-0
1
2
F
Creighton
1
0
1
Villanova
0
0
0
Olivia Sides
Photo by: Justin Kreutzian
Sides’ First Half Goal Propels Women’s Soccer to 1-0 Shutout at Villanova for First BIG EAST Victory
9/24/2025 5:08:00 PM | Women's Soccer
VILLANOVA, Pa. – Bolstered by a first half goal from freshman Olivia Sides, the Creighton women's soccer team captured its first BIG EAST win of the season with a 1-0 shutout victory over Villanova on Wednesday, Sept. 24 in Villanova, Pa.
The win lifted the Bluejays to 4-5-1 on the season and 1-1-0 in BIG EAST play with their second straight win on the Mainline, while Villanova suffered its first home lost since Aug. 14, falling to 6-4-0 overall and to 1-1-0 in league action.
Controlling possession throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Sides putting Creighton ahead 1-0 with her first goal as a Bluejays in the 14th minute (13:47). The Washington native recorded her first career tally, lasering a one-timer from the top of the 18-yard box into the back of the net off a goalkeeper punch out off a corner kick entry pass from senior Brynn Gardner.
The Bluejays defensive limited Villanova to just one shot on goal in the opening half, while capitalizing on seven first half shots to take a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Hanging on to a 1-0 lead, Villanova looked to flip momentum into their favor, increasing its offensive pressure early on in the second half. The Wildcats opened the frame creating three corners and firing off four shots, which were all smothers by the Bluejays back line in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Creighton countered with four shots of their own over the next 20 minutes, before digging in on the defensive end to preserve their second shutout of the season.
The Bluejays closed the match with a 13-10 edge in shots, including a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal, while both teams created five corners apiece. Senior goalkeeper Alyssa Zalac needed just one save to record her fourth win of the season and the seventh shutout of her Bluejay career.
Creighton returns to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they host Marquette at Morrison Stadium at 4 p.m.
The win lifted the Bluejays to 4-5-1 on the season and 1-1-0 in BIG EAST play with their second straight win on the Mainline, while Villanova suffered its first home lost since Aug. 14, falling to 6-4-0 overall and to 1-1-0 in league action.
Controlling possession throughout the opening 45 minutes, with Sides putting Creighton ahead 1-0 with her first goal as a Bluejays in the 14th minute (13:47). The Washington native recorded her first career tally, lasering a one-timer from the top of the 18-yard box into the back of the net off a goalkeeper punch out off a corner kick entry pass from senior Brynn Gardner.
The Bluejays defensive limited Villanova to just one shot on goal in the opening half, while capitalizing on seven first half shots to take a 1-0 advantage into the break.
Hanging on to a 1-0 lead, Villanova looked to flip momentum into their favor, increasing its offensive pressure early on in the second half. The Wildcats opened the frame creating three corners and firing off four shots, which were all smothers by the Bluejays back line in the first 15 minutes of the second half.
Creighton countered with four shots of their own over the next 20 minutes, before digging in on the defensive end to preserve their second shutout of the season.
The Bluejays closed the match with a 13-10 edge in shots, including a 7-1 advantage in shots on goal, while both teams created five corners apiece. Senior goalkeeper Alyssa Zalac needed just one save to record her fourth win of the season and the seventh shutout of her Bluejay career.
Creighton returns to the pitch on Saturday, Sept. 27 when they host Marquette at Morrison Stadium at 4 p.m.
Team Stats
CREI
NOVA
Goals
1
0
Shots
13
10
Shots on Goal
7
1
Saves
1
6
Corners
5
5
Fouls
9
5
Scoring Plays
Olivia Sides (1)
Assisted By: Brynn Gardner
GOAL by CREI Sides, Olivia Assist by Gardner, Brynn.
13:47
Game Leaders
Players
Shots
1
SOG
1
Goals
1
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
1
mid
Shots
2
SOG
2
Goals
0
Assists
0
Shots
2
SOG
1
Goals
0
Assists
0
Players Mentioned
Creighton Women's Soccer Highlights vs. Villanova, 9/24/25
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Creighton Women's Soccer Postgame vs. Georgetown, 9/20/25
Sunday, September 21
Creighton Women's Soccer vs. Georgetown, 9/20/25
Sunday, September 21
Creighton Media Availability Women's Soccer - Sept. 17
Wednesday, September 17
