The Saint Leo University Women's soccer team kept its perfect record at home intact as the Lions took down the #24 Tars of Rollins College 1-0 for its second Sunshine State Conference victory of the season Wednesday night at Saint Leo University Soccer Field.
The Lions (6-1-1, 2-1 SSC) recorded 11 shots on the night, with eight on goal while Rollins (5-2-2, 2-1 SSC) struggled to stay on target, recording three shots on goal out of nine.
Graduate Goalkeeper Maitane Bravo picked up her third shutout of the season, tallying three saves against the Tars.
Wednesday's win marks the first time the Green & Gold blanked a conference opponent since Head Coach Ged O'Connor's return.
While the first half was scoreless on both sides, Senior Alex Collighan's fourth goal of the season would be the difference between the match of two, original conference rivals. Freshman Samantha Van Nortwick fed a pass to Sophomore Midfielder Alicia Hiis, who volleyed a pass over top the backline to Collighan who slotted the shot to the right corner with a defender on her in the 53rd minute.
As the 76th minute commenced, Senior Forward Alexia Spencer was on a breakaway when the Richmond, Va. Native was taken down by a Rollins' defender in the keeper's box to set up a Penalty Kick from Senior Midfielder Nina Mueller. The attempt was saved, preventing the Lions from extending its lead.
Moments later, the Green & Gold would see another brilliant chance denied as Spencer saw two quick shots saved by the Tars' keeper.
Despite two chances to extend its lead, the Lions' defense kept strong the rest of the way to preserve the 1-0 win.
With a 2-1 conference record, the Green & Gold now trail SSC leader #2 Embry-Riddle in the standings by half a game.
Lions by the Numbers
0: Goals allowed
1: Goal scored
2: SSC wins
3: Shutouts on the season
4: Teams tied for second in SSC
5: Lions registering shots
6: Overall wins against the Tars
8: Shots on target
11: Total shots
80: Overall SSC wins for Ged O'Connor
Saint Leo is off to Miami Shores, Fla. Saturday to build off its ranked win against the Barry Buccaneers; kickoff is slated for 6 p.m.
Original source can be found here.
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