JOLIET, Ill. – Thanks to a solid eight-save performance from goalkeeper Krystal Rodriguez, the University of St. Francis women's soccer team wrapped up a hard-fought battle against St. Thomas University (Fla.) with a 0-0 deadlock on Sunday at Joliet Memorial Stadium. With the tie, St. Francis stands at 1-1-2 overall, while St. Thomas, which is currently receiving votes in the most recent NAIA Coaches' Poll, has earned a 2-0-1 record.
First Half
In the opening half, both squads had solid opportunities to score, but neither team was able to find the back of the net. St. Francis targeted the goal three times with its best opportunity coming at 41:08. After STU keeper Isabella Penaranda made a save following a hard shot from Ariadne Gonzalez, the ball ricocheted back to graduate senior Maite Bernal. Bernal took a shot off the high bounce, but the attempt sailed just high of the cross bar. The play of the match for USF came on the defensive end at 35:52 when a corner kick feed from St. Thomas resulted in a header attempt by Gabrielle Cimino. The deflected ball sailed past a diving Rodriguez, but USF defender Adamari Carrera stepped behind to block the ball from entering the goal. The Bobcats outshot USF in the first 45 minutes of action, 15-7, but Rodriguez recorded six saves to keep the game scoreless.
Second Half
In the second stanza, while St. Thomas continued to apply offensive pressure, Rodriguez and the Saints' defense remained strong. The Bobcats were able to target the goal just three times with Rodriguez shutting the door on each attempt. St. Thomas finished the match outshooting the Saints 25-11. St. Francis was led offensively by sophomore forward Kelly Flores, who recorded a team-high four shot attempts. Along with Gonzalez, Anna Jakubiec and Alexis Marroquin each targeted the goal once. In between the pipes, Rodriguez' eight saves were a season-high effort and led to her second shutout of the campaign.
USF returns to action on Thursday when it travels to Hammond, Ind. to take on Purdue University Northwest. Opening kickoff against the Pride is scheduled for 4 pm at Pepsi Field in Dowling Park.
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