Weekly Notes

PHILADELPHIA - After four straight road victories, the women's soccer team returns to the friendly confines of McCarthy Stadium and will begin a six-game homestand beginning on Friday night against Loyola-Maryland.  

"It is perfect timing for us to return home and play on our own field," said head coach Paul Royal.  "We have been very successful on the road to start the year but it is always nice to play in front of your own fans, friends and family on a familiar surface that we practice on everyday."

The Explorers (6-0-1) haven't had a home game since a September 4 victory over Rider almost three weeks ago. 

Regardless of the venue, La Salle's defense has been up to any obstacle this season and is the only team in Division I that has yet to be scored upon in 2011. 

"It's been a great run for us so far and defense has certainly been our backbone," said Royal.  "We are looking forward to tough weekend with two quality opponents coming into town."

The Greyhounds (2-7-0) are coming off an impressive 1-0 victory against American on Wednesday and have had a very difficult schedule to open the year. Three of Loyola's seven losses have come at the hands of Top-25 teams. Loyola also fell 3-9 at Northeastern back on August 26, a team La Salle defeated 1-0 a couple of weeks later. 

Lehigh will take on another Philadelphia opponent, Saint Joseph's, on Friday night before heading into town on Sunday to take on the Explorers.  

The Mountain Hawks (3-2-1) lead the all-time series over La Salle 7-4-1 and defeated the Explorers 3-1 at home last season. 

Amy Grant, former La Salle goalkeeper and assistant coach, is in her first season as the top assistant at Lehigh. 

On offense, La Salle is led by Kelsey Haycook, who is amongst the leaders in the Atlantic 10 with six goals scored this season.  Renee Washington has scored four times with two assists.  Senior defender Jess Hopton leads the A-10 with five assists through seven games so far this season. 

In net, Melissa Sanger is the only full-time starting goalkeeper that has yet to allow a goal this season.  Her 17 shutouts are the most in school history and she is currently in second place on the all-time La Salle wins list with 26 victories. 

Game Capsules:

Loyola-Maryland at La Salle
Friday, Septmeber 23 | 7 p.m.
McCarthy Stadium
Live Stats | Live Video

Lehigh at La Salle
Sunday, Septmeber 25 | 1 p.m.
McCarthy Stadium
Live Stats | Live Video