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University of St. Francis (III.)

University of St. Francis (III.)
Ariadne Gonzalez WS (8-29-26)
1
St. Ambrose (IA) SAU (0-2-1)
2
Winner St. Francis (IL) USF (2-1-0)
St. Ambrose (IA) SAU
(0-2-1)
1
Final
2
St. Francis (IL) USF
(2-1-0)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
St. Ambrose (IA) SAU 0 1 1
St. Francis (IL) USF 1 1 2

Game Recap: Women's Soccer |

Strong Defensive Showing Aids Saints in 2-1 Victory Over St. Ambrose

JOLIET, Ill. -- A strong defensive outing from the backfield of the University of St. Francis women's soccer team and a 12-save night from USF keeper Giselle Mata propelled the Fighting Saints to a 2-1 victory over St. Ambrose University (Iowa) in non-conference play on Saturday afternoon.  USF led 1-0 at the break and jumped ahead 2-0 seventeen minutes into the second half before four late saves helped USF to improve to 2-1-0 overall.

First Half
St. Ambrose (0-2-1) set the offensive pace of the match in the first half, ripping off five shot attempts in the opening eleven minutes of play.  Countering with a strong defensive presence, however, the Saints thwarted each attack with tight pressure making it difficult for the Bees to have any decent looks.  St. Francis later answered with its second shot attempt finding the back of the SAU net via the foot of Sofia Velazquez with an assist from Jimena Diaz in the 17th minute.  With the 1-0 lead providing a little bit of comfort, the Saints continued to stay dominant on the defensive end, and helped shut down six more shot attempts over the final 28 minutes to secure a 1-0 USF lead heading into the break.

Second Half
St. Francis' defense came out just as assertive in the second half, dominating the first 13 minutes in the backfield with SAU's first four shot attempts resulting in two blocked shots and two saves from Mata.  Nonetheless, the Saints' offense continued to find open looks and was able to produce their second score of the match in the 62nd minute.  Litzy Flores was credited with the goal on an assist from Carisma Rosales, to widen the USF lead to 2-0.  Needing to catch up quickly, the Bees desperately tried to cut down their 2-0 deficit with a string of five straight shot attempts between the 66th and 80th minutes, but SAU could not cash in as a solid defensive line from USF defeated each of those tries.  After back-to-back St. Ambrose shot attempts in the 80th minute came up short - which included a defensive save from Galilea Medina - the Bees were finally able to get on the scoreboard when they connected for a goal in the 81st minute.  St. Francis' defense would stay steady thereafter, however, spoiling SAU's last four shot attempts of the match to shut the door on the guests and claim the 2-1 victory.

For the match, St. Ambrose outshot USF 27-9.  Rosales led USF with five shots, while Jasmin Valles, Flores, Ariadne Gonzalez and Velazquez each chipped in one.  Mata finished the match collecting 12 saves during her 90 minutes in the net.

Up Next
The Saints will use the next two days to prepare for Tuesday (Sept. 1) when they take on the Mustangs of Mount Mercy University (Iowa).  The match is slated to begin at 7 pm at Joliet Memorial Stadium.

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