CHICAGO, Ill.--- Nataley Salgado's (JR/Chicago, Ill.) game-winning goal in the second overtime enabled the University of St. Francis women's soccer team to overcome an early 2-0 deficit and defeat Saint Xavier University 4-3 in a Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference matchup at Deaton Field on Tuesday evening.
With the win, the Saints put an end to their seven-match winless streak, improving to 2-6-1 overall and 1-6-1 in CCAC play. Saint Xavier fell to 0-8 overall and 0-8 in the conference.
Saint Xavier forward Yasmine Mathews gave the Cougars their first lead of the season when she connected at the 11-minute mark off of a pass from Emica Quigley. The hosts added their second goal in the 30th minute.
USF began its comeback at the 36-minute mark when Alexis Marroquin (FR/Lockport, Ill.) scored her second goal of the season from 25 yards out. Five minutes later, she provided the assist on the first of two Litzy Mendez (SO/Joliet, Ill.) goals Tuesday to knot the score at two goals apiece. Mendez, Marroquin and Kelli Pietrowski (SR/Wheeling, Ill.) accounted for the majority of USF's scoring chances on the night, combining for 11 of the team's 15 shots on goal and 21 of its 27 total shots.
Saint Xavier regained the lead 12 minutes into the second half on an unassisted goal from midfielder Kimberly Marquez. Looking for the equalizing score, the Saints put up eight shots with two on goal over a 28-minute span. Mendez would again be the one to finally get a ball past goalkeeper Dayanna Gonzalez with Pietrowski setting her up to tie the contest at 3-all with just 14 minutes remaining in regulation.
Neither team was able to break the second tie of the game until Salgado's goal came at the 101-minute mark of the second overtime. The goal - Salgado's first of the season - came from 35 yards out and was set up by Madisyn Hannion (SR/Lockport, Ill.).
USF dominated possession for much of the match, particulary after halftime. As a result, the Saints had their highest shot output of the season, nearly doubling that of Saint Xavier, 27-14. Ellie Provo (SR/Dixon, Ill.) earned the win in goal stopping a pair opf shots.
Head coach Al Palar also grabbed a win over his alma mater, whom he played for from 2008-2012.
The Saints look to continue their momentum on Saturday (March 27) when they take on Trinity International University. Kickoff is slated for 3 pm at ATI Field at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
