Women’s Soccer Heads to Sacred Heart for Sunday Matinee

August 17, 2024

PHILADELPHIA — La Salle women's soccer will look to secure its first victory of the young season on Sunday at noon as the Explorers head to Connecticut to battle the Sacred Heart Pioneers. This is the only MAAC opponent La Salle will face this season.

The game will be streamed on Sacred Heart's website. Explorers fans can follow the team on Twitter @LaSalle_WSOC and Instagram @lasalle_wsoc.

LAST TIME OUT

The Explorers dropped their season opener to Patriot League defending Champion, the Bucknell Bison, 2-1 on Thursday night.
The Bison jumped out to a 2-0 in the first half. La Salle returned serve with a strong second half, highlighted by a score in the 60^th minute from Haley Gchsrey, off an assist from Olivia Vricella. Bucknell was able to bleed the rest of the clock out and take the contest 2-1.
Six freshman saw the field for La Salle.

SCOUTING THE EXPLORERS

La Salle is looking to build on a tremendous 2023 season after going 12-6-3 overall and 8-1-1 in Atlantic 10 play.
The Explorers bring back four of their top five scorers from last year in senior Haley Gschrey, and junior Justyce Hollenbach, Ricshya Walker, and Elizabeth Estrada. All four were recognized by the Atlantic 10 last season, with Gschrey and Walker earning second-team All-Conference and Hollenbach and Estrada being named All-Rookie.
Gschrey led the team and placed fourth in conference with 18 points last season, she also led the team in goals with eight.
On the backline, the Explorers return strong experience in Olivia Vricella, who started all 21 games last season, and Jillian Drumm, who played in 19 games and made 15 starts.
Goalkeeping figures to be an area of strength this season for La Salle. Michela Auguadro, Gabby Neal, and Mackenna Yaracs all return from last season. Auguadro has started 44 of the 47 games she has played in during her college career. She allowed 1.05 goal per game last season and began A-10 play with five straight shutouts. Her career GAA of 1.25 is tied for fifth in program history.
The Explorers are led by head coach Paul Royal, who enters his 22^nd season at the helm. Royal is one of the top coaches in the Atlantic 10, earning five trips to the NCAA Tournament during his tenure and has sent 16 players to the professional ranks. He was voted A-10 Coach of the Year for the fifth time last season.
Royal has amassed 211 wins in his head coaching career. He ranks 18^th among active D1 coaches in wins at a single institution.

SCOUTING THE PIONEERS

Sacred Heart earned a 6-9-4 record in 2023. The Pioneers began the season with a 0-3-2 record before winning at Manhattan on Sep. 7.
Sacred Heart competed in its final season in the NEC last season before jumping to MAAC for the 2024 campaign.
The Red & White are highlighted by returners Grace O'Hara, Shea Kelleher and Morgan Bovardi who accumulated a combined 22 goals and 53 points during the 2023 campaign.
Matt Micros enters his sixth season with Sacred Heart. He spent previously last nine seasons at Post University. He has amassed a 41-47-15 record in Fairfield.

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