SAINT LEO, Fla. – The No. 17 Saint Leo Lions made the most of their home opener on Monday afternoon as they bested visiting Colorado Christian, 5-2. The Lions moved to 2-0-1 on the young season, and look to improve upon that record as they next head out to Alabama for a neutral site game versus Christian Brothers and a battle at No.21 West Alabama.
The Basics
Final Results: Saint Leo topped Colorado Christian, 5-2
Where: University Soccer Field, Saint Leo, Fla.
Record: SLU 2-0-1, 0-0 SSC | CCU 0-1-1, 0-0 RMAC
How It Happened
5' | The visiting Colorado Christian Cougars recorded the first goal on a rebound shot from Tristyn Hall. |CCU 1-0 |
18' | Saint Leo's leading goal scorer on the season, Arielle Kabangu (Jr., F, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada) tied up the match with a goal into the corner of the net off an assist from Katie Waddell (So., MF, Nottingham, England). |1-1|
26' | A Cougar handball inside the box led to a penalty shot opportunity. Waddell stepped up and capitalized, giving the Lions the lead. | SLU 2-1|
36' | Kabangu tallied her second goal of the game off a feed from Genevieve Gignac (Jr., MF, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada), putting the ball away from the center of the box. |SLU 3-1|
46' | Ginac knocked in a goal of her own off a header from a high Waddell cross. | SLU 4-1|
47' | The Cougars responded on a quick turnaround and a SLU misplay to allow Meghan Troupe tally a goal. |SLU 4-2|
63' | Selena Jaimes (Jr., D, Apopka, Fla.) was given a free kick opportunity outside the box, and she capitalized with a shot that curved in high to the left corner of the net. | SLU 5-2|
Top Performers
- Waddell was an all-around offensive spark plug today as she tallied her first goal of the season, and she tallied her third and fourth assists of the season.
- Kabangu's two goals gives her four in the young season. She also had a perfect shots on goal percentage as her two goals were her only two shots.
Coach's Thoughts
"It's a game we have been looking forward too since we started the first day of preseason. We also knew today was going to be very tough after having an overtime affair on the road last night. Now we are three games in tough five-game season opener, and we are 2-0-1. The girls showed more resilience after giving up a goal to start the game, and we have started to get into a groove. We are quite happy to come away with the win and no injuries. And now we get ready to head to Alabama for an important weekend where we will face two very good opponents."
Points to Note
- Since the 2010 season, Saint Leo has won each season's home opener.
- Kabangu's goals moves her career-total up to 43 goals. She is now just nine goals form the career-record of 52 held by Casie Poyssick.
- This is the first game this season that the Lions have not gone to overtime.
- Saint Leo outshot the Cougars 11-7 in the high-offense affair, eight of SLU's were on goal.
For the Cougars
- Trystin Hall opened up scoring for the Cougars, giving them the 1-0 advantage.
- Meghan Troupe recorded the other goal for CCU.
Up Next
- Christian Brothers | Tiger Stadium, Livingston, Ala.| Friday, 9/11, 11:00 A.M.
- Christian Brothers is 2-0 to open the season with two home wins over Rhodes (Tenn.), and Clayton State (Ga.).
- Mariana Tonelli and Camilla Rodrigues both share the lead as top goal scorer with two-a-piece. They both also have one assists.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men'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.
