SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Women's soccer team continued to keep its 2022 season alive, battling breezy conditions to overcome a "win"dy Tuesday night, besting the Lynn Fighting Knights 3-1 at Saint Leo University Soccer Field.
Saint Leo (8-5-2, 4-5-1 SSC) amassed 21 total shots, tying its second-highest mark on the season. Graduate
Caitlin Strong nearly held a third of the team's shot total with six, as Senior
Alexia Spencer recorded four shots. Graduate
Maitane Bravo picked up two saves on the night.
Within the first ten minutes of the contest, Lynn (5-8-1, 3-6-1 SSC) struck the first blow, as Annina Sankoh slotted a shot in the lower left corner for a 1-0 lead.
The Lions bided their time until the 17th minute, as a free kick from Senior
Nina Mueller hit the underside of the crossbar and out, putting Lynn Goalkeeper Hannah Harbich-Kuster out of position before a fortunate bounce for the Green & Gold allowed Spencer to bury the rebound shot for the equalizing goal (1-1).
Late in the first half, a second Mueller free kick that was headed by Senior
Alexa Guido into the net appeared to have put the Lions in position for the go-ahead goal but a handball by the Lions nullified the score and sent both teams to the sides tied 1-1 at the end of the half.
Saint Leo turned up the heat on its attack, outshooting the Fighting Knights 15-5 in the second half. The turning point in the contest came in the 83rd minute when Spencer blasted a shot past Harbich-Kuster and into the back of the net to give the Lions its first lead 2-1. Moments later, Senior
Alex Collighan joined the scoring party, registering the third goal of the contest off another free kick from Mueller.
"Overall, it was {I think} gritty to sum up that game" said Head Coach
Ged O'Connor after the game. "We came out in the first half and didn't perform the way we needed to. In large part, I think Lynn did an excellent job of prepping for us, but we had to come back and perform the way we did in the second half after we made a few changes. Two late goals. It's great; Saint Leo doesn't give up."
Lions by the Numbers
1: Goal allowed
3: Goals scored
4: SSC wins
6: Corner kicks
8: Total wins
13: Shots on goal
14: Overall wins over Lynn
21: Total shots
The Lions will await their postseason fate Friday, as Barry and Tampa play their regular-season finales. A draw or loss by either team locks in a spot for Saint Leo in the tournament.
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Women's Soccer, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on
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