ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - The sixth-ranked Saint Leo University women's soccer team kept their undefeated record intact with a 2-1 victory over Eckerd College on Thursday evening in St. Petersburg, Fla. The Lions pick up their second conference win, and advance to a record of 9-0, 2-0 SSC, while the Tritons drop to 3-7, and 0-3 in Sunshine State Conference action.
Sam Buterbaugh tallied the game-winning goal, thanks to an assist from Dari Alcantara in the 67th minute of play.
Eckerd found themselves on the scoreboard first thanks to a throw-in from the sideline that found its way into an overcrowded box and in between the posts in the 27th minute. But the Lions didn't back down, finding their own place on the panel when Jasmine Johnson placed the ball right on the outside of the box for Cassie Barbaresi to hammer a shot between the posts for the equalizer in the 36th minute.
At the half, with the score knotted at one apiece, Saint Leo led the shot count 10-3. Eckerd held the advantage in corner kicks, 2-1, but had committed more fouls in the first stanza, 6-3.
The Lions set the record straight in the second stanza, earning the game-winning goal in the 67th minute with a goal from Sam Buterbaugh off of an assist from Dari Alcantara.
Saint Leo led the overall shot count, 16-9, and held the advantage on corners, 3-2. Thanks to five saves from Laura Carstens, and one earned team save from the Green and Gold, the Lions were able to pull in their ninth-consecutive victory, and remain undefeated on the season.
The nationally-ranked Saint Leo women's soccer team returns to action on Sunday, October 2, when they host Lynn University in Sunshine State Conference action. Kickoff against the Fighting Knights is set for 4 p.m. at University Field. For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's soccer team, visit the Lions' home on the web at SaintLeoLions.com.
