LA CROSSE, Wis. – Despite University of St. Francis keeper
Krystal Rodriguez collecting a career-high 13 saves in goal, the Fighting Saints women's soccer team was unable to find the back of the Viterbo University net, resulting in a 1-0 road loss on Saturday afternoon. The defeat drops St. Francis into a three-way tie for third place in the Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference standings with a 5-2-3 record. Overall, the Saints are 7-5-5.
First Half
Good defense was displayed from both squads during the first 26 minutes of the match as each team was only able to get off one shot apiece. After a shot missed wide right in the 27th minute,
Viterbo began to apply heavy offensive pressure the remainder of the half, clocking seven shots (five on goal) compared to the Saints' one before the halftime break. Rodriguez stayed composed in the net, denying each V-Hawk attempt. She closed the half collecting six saves to keep the match scoreless.
Second Half
Andrea Aguirre opened up the second half for St. Francis with a quick shot just 1:18 into the frame, but came up short, missing wide right. The majority of the first 20 minutes saw a lot of action in the middle of the field with both teams executing solid defensive strategy. But in the 67th minute,
Viterbo was able to break free and connect for the match's only score, sneaking one past Rodriguez to take the 1-0 lead. After the goal, the V-Hawks were able to hold off every St. Francis attack until
Zoe Villont saw an open opportunity for the equalizer at the 86:39 mark. The look would be the best chance the Saints would get, but a save by VU keeper Veerle Vriens would preserve the V-Hawk lead and hand the Saints their second CCAC loss of the season.
Isabel Diez and
Adamari Carrera led the Saints in total shots with two each in the match, while Aguirre, Villont, and
Mia Ocana each registered one. Of the seven total shots, just two were on goal.
Up Next
The Saints are back in action on Saturday, Nov. 2 with a home
matchup against Calumet College of St. Joseph (Ind.). Senior Day festivities will occur before the 1 pm scheduled kickoff at Joliet Memorial Stadium.
You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.
