PHILADELPHIA – Kobe Perlaza headed home in the 80^th minute to deliver a 1-0 win over George Washington as the Saint Joseph's men's soccer team earned a victory on Senior Day. Perlaza was one of seven Hawks recognized before the game.
 
With the result, Saint Joseph's moves to 5-4-3 overall (2-2-2 Atlantic 10) with eight points in the conference standings. George Washington falls to 2-9-2 and 0-5 in conference action.
 
HOW IT HAPPENED

• The visitors had the two best chances in the opening 15 minutes. Jaden Dubon put both shots on target, but St. Joe's goalkeeper Cooper Jennings made quick saves to deny the Belize international each time.
• A perfectly weighted through ball from Tommaso Rossetto split the George Washington defense and found Sebastian Perez-Gasiba. The sophomore's attempt on goal was denied by the GW goalkeeper as the Hawks settled for a corner kick.
• St. Joe's forced three more saves from the visitors in the first half, including a late chance when Tommaso Rossetto's shot rattled off the right post and stayed in play. Glen Lala collected the rebound, but his left-footed shot was held by the goalkeeper.
• The Hawks continued to apply pressure in the attacking third, looking to find the opening goal but unable to deliver on the final ball. The visitors were able to grab an opportunity against the run of play as Jennings denied Dubon for a third time.
• The fifth corner of the day proved decisive as Matteo Mazzotta curled a ball into the crowded box. Kobe Perlaza rose above the defense and powered a header low into the corner to give the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
• A tame effort in the 89^th minute proved all the visitors could muster in response as the Hawks celebrated Senior Day with a victory.

 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE

• The Hawks doubled the Revolutionaries with a 16-8 edge in shots, including a 7-4 margin in shots on target. St. Joe's moves to 4-0-3 on the year when holding the advantage in shots.
• Perlaza netted his second goal of the season, both proving to be eventual game winners.
• The Hawks are also unbeaten in games which Matteo Mazzotta registers a point, earning his second assist of the season to continue to lead the Hawks with 12 points (5G, 2A).
• Cooper Jennings kept his fourth clean sheet of the season with four saves on the afternoon.
• SJU's unbeaten run at home extends to the first six games of the season, holding a 4-0-2 record on Sweeney Field in 2025.
• The Hawks have held opponents scoreless for the last 293 minutes at home, including three-consecutive clean sheets in conference play.

 
UP NEXT

• St. Joe's take a break from Atlantic 10 play for a midweek clash with Lehigh on Tuesday, October 14. Kickoff is schedule for 6 p.m.