SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Women's soccer team gave its fans and the Freshmen arriving on campus a reason to be excited about 2022, opening its slate with a 1-0 win over Newberry College Friday night at Saint Leo Soccer Field.
 
Many chances were created for the Lions (1-0), outshooting their opponents 15-7.  Graduate Goalkeeper Maitane Bravo recorded two saves on the night.
 
The game's deciding goal came in the 27th minute when Freshman Alex Collighan found fellow Freshman Ainsley Meyer wide open on the near side, breaking away from the back line and scoring on a left boot finish to put the Green & Gold ahead 1-0.  The first half was controlled by Saint Leo, limiting the Wolves (0-1) to just two shots.
 
The second half saw both sides kept at bay, with each team recording five shots.  Newberry found its biggest opportunity to tie the game in the 79th minute, as a foul from Graduate Defender Raylyn Straubmuller inside the keeper's box set up a penalty kick for the Wolves before the would-be equalizer sailed left.
 
The Lions went on to subdue Newberry's attack to preserve the 1-0 victory.
 
"It's always great to win your first game of the season at home, but to do so in the fashion that we did, keeping the clean sheets with what amounts to a brand new team, was excellent" said Head Coach Ged O'Connor.  "All credit goes to the players for the work rates and overall effort that they put into the game.  They were excellent performances all around, but from the Freshmen all the way up to the super Seniors position, it was a great team win."
 
Lions by the Numbers
0:        Goals allowed
1:        Goal scored
4:        Corner kicks
5:        Substitutes
6:        Shots on goal
9:        Season opening wins for Ged O'Connor as Saint Leo Head Coach
15:      Total shots
 
Saint Leo is back on the home pitch Sunday for a matinee matchup against Georgia College.  Kickoff at Saint leo Soccer Field is set for 11 a.m.
  
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.