PHILADELPHIA – A goal in each half and some stellar work in net propelled the Saint Joseph's women's soccer team to a 2-0 win against the Temple Owls on Thursday night. In doing so, the Hawks matched the best start in program history.
HOW IT HAPPENED
- Despite the Owls holding the early shot advantage, it was St. Joe's that scored first. Chelsea Leal drew a foul in the box. After a video review determined she was onside, Leal was awarded a penalty. The sophomore did not miss, beating the keeper to the left side.
- Early in the second half, Lauren Lebo was pressed into service, first making a diving save to poke away a shot on a corner in the 51st. Nine minutes later, she came up with back-to-back saves, kicking the second one away on a rebound to keep SJU on top.
- As the half progressed, Saint Joseph's began to wear down Temple. Early in the 81st minute, Kerri Jackson moved the ball down the right side. She sent a pass across the top of the area into space where Jayda Shehadi ran onto it, composed herself and sent the ball into the lower right corner, making it 2-0.
BY THE NUMBERS
- At 4-0-1, St. Joe's matches the best start in program history, joining the 1998 club that had an identical record through five contests.
- The goals were the first of the season each for Leal and Shehadi.
- Lebo stood strong in goal again, making seven saves for her second consecutive clean sheet.
- It was the 15th all-time win for SJU against the Owls, the second most against any opponent in team history, trailing only 16 victories against St. Bonaventure.
UP NEXT
The Hawks play their first game on Sweeney Field since mid-August when they host the Vermont Catamounts on Sunday, September 6. Kickoff is set for 1:00 p.m.
