PITTSBURGH - The La Salle women's soccer team made it two wins in its last two attempts on Thursday evening, defeating Duquesne by a 2-1 score inside Rooney Field.
HOW IT HAPPENED:
- Duquesne nearly took the lead in the 18th minute, but their goal was disallowed as a Duke forward made contact with La Salle goalkeeper Michela Auguadro.
- Sophomore Giovanna Castorina nearly gave the Explorers the lead just 30 seconds later, as her shot into the top left corner was just tipped away by Duquesne goalkeeper Megan Virgin to keep the game scoreless.
- Amid a scramble in the box on a corner kick feed, Kelli McGroarty got her foot on the loose ball and squeezed a shot just over the goal line to give the Explorers a 1-0 lead in the 36th minute they would hold until halftime.
- The Dukes found the back of the net after being awarded a penalty in the 54th minute, Ashley Rodriguez converting the chance from 12 yards.
- A well-taken corner kick routine from the Explorers in the 72nd minute saw Danielle Rooney and Emily Banashefski interchange passes before firing a dangerous ball into the goalmouth. Lauren Costello beat her marker to the ball and supplanted her header into the back of the net to regain the advantage for the visitors.
- La Salle successfully controlled the last 15 minutes of the match, minimalizing the threat of the Duquesne attack.
INSIDE THE NUMBERS
- McGroarty scored her first goal of the season after leading the team in shots entering the match. It marked her third of her career after a strong freshman season, tallying two goals and five assists last season.
- Costello grabbed her second of the season from her center back position, the first since scoring the winner against Saint Francis (Pa.).
- Banashefski tallied her third assist on the season, leading the team with seven points.
- For just the second time, the Explorers registered multiple goals in a contest, last achieved in the 2-1 win over Colgate.
- Averaging just over 10 shots per game, the Explorers recorded a favorable 20-7 advantage in shots on the evening.
- La Salle moves to 5-7-2 on the year, climbing back to .500 in conference action with a 3-3-1 record in the A-10.
UP NEXT:
The Explorers will return to McCarthy Stadium to continue A-10 conference play on Sunday, Oct. 17 when they host first-place VCU at 1 p.m.
