JOLIET, Ill. -- Thanks to an impressive nine-save performance from goalkeeper Giselle Mata, the University of St. Francis women's soccer team started its 2025 season off on the right foot Wednesday night when the Fighting Saints earned a 1-0 victory over University of Saint Francis (Ind.) at Joliet Memorial Stadium. 

First Half
The Saints (1-0) went on the offensive in the first half, dominating possession for the majority of the opening 45 minutes.  Each team was able to find an open look early, but after Mata denied a Cougar attempt on goal in the fifth minute, USF countered by going on the attack, accounting for six of the last eight shots of the period.  Isabel Diez delivered the game-winning goal with just 56 seconds remaining before halftime on a header off a free kick from teammate Kelly Flores that sailed past Cougar goalkeeper Rachel Bova before reaching the back of the net.

Second Half
Diez's goal in the first frame was more than enough support for Mata, who authored a clean sheet and racked up the nine saves in her debut as a Fighting Saint.  She stopped seven of those shots in the second half alone, including back-to-back saves in the 48th minute.

Jimena Diaz and Litzy Flores led the way offensively for the Saints with two shots on goal apiece, while Diez had four tries in total, connecting on the one.  The Cougars (2-1) outshot the Saints by a 13-12 count, including a 9-6 tally on goal.

Up Next
The USF women's soccer team will have two days of rest before taking the field again on Saturday, Aug. 30 to play Indiana University Columbus at 1 pm at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

You can keep up with everything happening around USF Athletics on X @USFSaints.