SAINT LEO, Fla. - It was a happy Senior Night, as a late goal by Lindsay Perkins broke the tie, giving the Saint Leo women's soccer team a 3-2 win over a feisty Florida Southern squad on Saturday evening.
The Basics
Final Results: Saint Leo tops Mocs, 3-2
Where: University Soccer Field | Saint Leo, Fla.
Record: SLU 7-7-1, 3-4 SSC | FSC 3-10-1, 2-6 SSC
How It Happened
24'| Arielle Kabangu was granted a penalty kick, when she stepped up the Mocs keeper Helena Norrstrom blocked the shot. The shot ricocheted right to the foot of Genevieve Gignac, who sunk the ball in the back of the net. |SLU 1-0|
33'| Perkins tallied an assist as she found a streaking Arielle Kabangu. Kabangu popped the ball right over the diving keeper, sinking the Lions second goal. |SLU 2-0|
45'| With 20 seconds to play in the opening half, the Lions committed a foul giving the visitors a penalty kick. Taylor Cox stepped up to spot, and sunk the PK into the right-hand corner of the net. |SLU 2-1|
64'| The Mocs tallied the equalizer as Dominique Cirnigliaro took the ball from the center of the six-yard box, crossing it back out to Kristy Legoas, who blasted a shot past Abby Evans, tying the match. |2-2|
67'| The pairing of Perkins and Kabangu helped break the tie, this time with Kabangu finding Perkins for the game-winner. Perkins took the pass from Kabangu, and sunk it by Norrstrom to seal the game for the Lions. |SLU 3-2|
Points to Note
- Kabangu now has 10 goals on the season, and has 51 for her career. She trails the career record for goals by one to tie, and two to hold it on her own.
- On senior day, Evans made eight saves.
- With the win, the Lions secured themselves a place in the 2015 SSC Soccer Championships
Coach's Thoughts
"It was an educational win for us. I think we were controlling the game when we were up 2-0, but then with 20-seconds left in the first, we do something stupid, and give up a penalty, and that made it a war. Another mistake, and that made it 2-2. Right then, our leader and center back had to come off injured, which is obviously one of the most important positions on the field. Then we readjusted, and I think the girls really learned a great deal about themselves, and desire. I have to give a lot of credit to Florida Southern credit, they were in the same spot we were tonight, winner takes all. They have had a few losses this year, but tonight there wasn't an inch of quit in them. Overall we had a a couple of game changers, and the girls did well. Abby in goal, Lindsay Perkins just got our "Man of the Match" award, KK Harding deserves credit for going back into center back when she's a midfielder, the players out on the field did a great job."
For the Opponent
- Norrstrom recorded five saves.
- It was Legoas' third goal of the season, and Cox's first.
Up Next
- Nova Southeastern | NSU Soccer Complex, Fort Lauderdale, Fla. | Thursday, 7 p.m.
- This match was rescheduled from Oct. 10.
- Sierra Lelii has scored 18 goals this season.
- The team has scored 39 while holding opponents to 21.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo women's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
