SAINT LEO, Fla. – Five different Lions put the ball between the posts as the Saint Leo University women's soccer team handed Webber International University a 5-1 loss on Sunday afternoon at University Field. Saint Leo picks up their fourth consecutive win to advance to 4-0 on the season, while the Lady Warriors drop to a mark of 2-3.
A balanced attack and multifaceted defensive unit helped the Green and Gold to victory as the Lions posted a total of 14 points on the afternoon with five goals and four assists. Cassie Barbaresi and Aija Bent-Trinder posted three-point performances with a goal and assist apiece, while Dari Alcantara, Line Pederson, and Pia Soesemann notched one goal each. Francesca Williams rounded out the scoring on the afternoon with an assist from long range to help the Lions stay undefeated on the season.
Webber International played a steady game, but the Lady Warriors were only able to get 13 shots and four shots on frame on the board. Their lone goal came unassisted in the 67th minute from Amanda Solis.
Laura Carstens and Kelcee Mai split time between the posts for Saint Leo, with Carstens setting aside two shots and Mai earning one save while allowing a goal. The opposition placed Jessica Morejon and Ashley Naughton in front of the net. Morejon posted six saves and yielded five goals, while Naughton picked up two saves of her own.
Saint Leo put the first goal on the scoreboard just one minute and fifty seconds into the first period. Barbaresi ripped a corner kick over the hands of Morejon to put the ball in the far side, giving the Lions an early lead.
Soesemann grabbed the game-winner in the 37th minute thanks to an assist from Jamie Smith. Smith's ball deflected quickly off of the Lady Warriors keeper, setting up Soesemann with a perfect sliding shot into the middle of the goal.
The Lions held a 2-0 advantage at the break, and entered into the second stanza with plenty of gusto as they posted another three goals to close out the afternoon.
Saint Leo led the shot count 27-13, and had more corner kick opportunities 7-6. Webber posted eight saves to the Lions' three, and committed 12 fouls compared to the Green and Gold who only caused six.
The Saint Leo University women's soccer team returns to action on Thursday, September 15, when they hose Robert Morris. Kickoff against the Eagles is set for 7:00 p.m. at University Field. For the latest news, updates, and information on the women's soccer team, visit the SaintLeoLions.com.
