LORETTO, Pa. - Freshman Lauren Costello scored the first goal of her collegiate career to lift the La Salle University women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Saint Francis U. on Wednesday evening. 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

• The Explorers (2-4-1) put together a strong performance in the first half, leading to what proved to be the game-winning goal in the 15th minute of action.
• Junior Emily Banashefski took a corner kick and sent it into the middle of the box, finding classmate Naya Vialva.
• Vialva headed an attempt to the lower-left corner of goal that appeared to be going in, before a sprawling save was made by SFU's Sarah McConnon.
• The rebound went right to Costello, who punched home the chance to give La Salle a 1-0 lead.
• From there, the Explorers continued to put pressure on and nearly scored on a number of other chances throughout the match.
• Sophomore Kelli McGroarty nearly converted on a chance in the 49th minute but missed just wide.
• La Salle limited the Red Flash (2-5) to just three shots on the night, with Explorers goalkeeper Michela Auguadro needing just one save in the 54th minute to preserve the shutout.

INSIDE THE NUMBERS:

• The Explorers held a dominant 13-3 advantage in shots for the game, 10 of which were on frame.
• McGroarty led La Salle with four shots, three on goal, while Vialva had two.
• Vialva and Banashefski registered assists on the goal by Costello.

UP NEXT:

• La Salle (2-4-1) opens Atlantic 10 play on Sunday, Sept. 19 against Fordham at McCarthy Stadium.
• Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m., and the game will air on ESPN+.