WASHINGTON, D.C. - The American University women's soccer team defeated a regionally-ranked Richmond team, 1-0, on Wednesday afternoon at Reeves Field. Sophomore Mikaila Weaver scored her second game-winning goal in as many matches and junior defender Friederike Engel's timely save helped preserve American's third consecutive victory.

American (3-1) got on the scoreboard 14 minutes into the first half on Weaver's second goal of the season. Sophomore Patricia Bailey received a pass on the right side of the attacking zone and fired a shot on goal, which was deflected by Richmond goalkeeper Melissa Pacheco. However, Weaver was in the right place just in front of the goal, as she knocked the ball into the back of the net to give the Eagles a 1-0 lead.

Richmond (1-2), which is currently ranked third in the Mid-Atlantic Region, increased its aggressive play throughout the match, especially in the second half, as it attempted to muster a game-tying attack. The Spiders' best opportunity came in the 86th minute when Richmond's Shondel Archer appeared to have a golden opportunity from point-blank range. With AU goalkeeper Arianna Efstathiou out of the play, Engel, an All-Patriot League First Team performer in each of the past two seasons, came to the rescue to make an incredible game-saving stop in front of the goal line.

Efstathiou was credited with four saves in the win, and picked up her second shutout victory of the season.

The Eagles held a 6-4 advantage in shots on goal, although the Spiders outshot American 12-11 in relatively evenly-played contest.

"I am happy in the way we were able to grind out a victory like this. This is a good win against a very quality team in Richmond," commented American Head Coach David Bucciero. "It was a great experience for us to have to hold a 1-0 advantage for 70-plus minutes. We succeeded in doing that today, and I'm very proud of the team for the effort they put forth."

American will return to action a week from today on Wednesday, September 9 for a 4 p.m. first kick against Maryland at Reeves Field. This match will close out a four-game homestand for the Eagles. The match versus Maryland will be broadcast live on the new Eagles Vision TV channel, featuring multiple camera angles, a live scoreboard and analysis from a studio broadcast team and on field reporters. To sign up for Eagles Vision TV, click here.