Aug. 22, 2011

Box Score

VILLANOVA, Pa. - The Saint Joseph's women's soccer team put forth a strong effort in its season opener, but a Villanova goal midway through the second half proved the decisive tally as the Hawks fell to the Wildcats, 2-1, Monday afternoon.

Villanova (1-0-1) opened the scoring in the 38th minute, as Katy Nagy took advantage of a penalty kick. The Wildcats' forward drilled a ball past SJU junior goalkeeper Christine Neal to give her team a 1-0 lead at 37:35.

Senior Maggie Lupinski erased the deficit less than two minutes later. An Atlantic 10 All-Conference Honorable Mention a season ago, Lupinski returned the favor to the Wildcats, scoring on a penalty kick at 39:18 to tie the game at 1-1.

The Hawks' got a chance early in the second half to take their first lead of the game, but Villanova's goalkeeper Jami Kranich saved a shot off the foot of SJU sophomore Mo Hawkins to keep the score tied.

The Wildcats' offense kept pressing though from there, logging 11 shots and recording five corners. Villanova finally broke the draw in the 68th minute as Katie Ryan tapped in the game winner as teammate Heidi Sabatura quickly passed her ball off a rebound at 67:20.

Villanova's defense would keep SJU off the scorecard as well, as the Wildcats allowed SJU just the one second-half shot and four shots for the game.

Individually, Neal made a game-high six saves, but was credited with the loss.

The Hawks (0-1-0)return to action Friday evening at Binghamton. Game time is set for 7 p.m.

OF NOTE:
- Monday's game was originally scheduled for Sunday afternoon, but was postponed due to thunderstorms.
- Photos from today's game are available at www.sidephotos.com.