BABSON PARK, Fla. – Saint Leo Women’s Soccer standouts Pia Soeseman and Audrey Bernier-Larose used top-notch performances to propel the Lions to a 3-1 win in their season-opening game against Webber International University on a steamy Thursday afternoon in the middle of Florida.
Soeseman, a star on the Lions’ attack, earned points in two of the three Saint Leo goals. Credited with an assist on the first tally just 11 minutes in, the Berlin, Germany native gained control of a loose ball at the top of the box and flipped it wide to newcomer Karin Hedlund, who slotted it past the advancing Webber keeper for the Lions’ first goal of 2010.
Her name struck the scoreboard again in the 29th minute when a bit of strategy put the Lions ahead 2-0. Saint Leo goalkeeper Audrey Bernier-Larose put a strong foot to clear a Webber shot, pushing the ball across midfield. Catching the ball in stride, Soeseman gained control behind the Warrior defense and again pushed the ball past the Webber ‘keeper.
Hedlund made the advantage 3-0 for the Lions just 10 minutes later when she took a Malloree Enoch pass and blasted it into goal. Enoch would pick the ball up in midfield and use her speed to push it to the end line down the right side. With the WIU defense focused on Enoch, Hedlund snuck in behind and put a nice finish on the goal.
Holding a 3-0 advantage, Bernier-Larose nearly notched the clean sheet, with a lone Webber penalty in the 53rd minute going down as the only goal she surrendered the entire match.
Lauded by Coach Ged O’Connor for her skill since she joined the Lions, Bernier-Larose did not disappoint, posting nine saves, including a one-handed, diving save at point-blank range across the face of goal that impressed even the opposing fans. She also got some help from her back four, including a great header deflection from Aija Bent-Trinder as Webber’s only good chance was a rebound from a Bernier-Larose save that fell back to a Warrior foot. The Webber player lined up the wide open shot and unloaded, without noticing Bent-Trinder sprinting in to cover.
After the full time whistle, the Lions had racked up 15 shots, putting five on goal. A relatively hard-fought game saw 30 fouls whistled against both teams and four cards issued.
