University of Delaware Athletics
Hens Battle Through Two Overtimes, To Draw 1-1 With Saint Joseph's (Sept. 2, 2011)
9/4/2011 12:19:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Boxscore
PHILADELPHIA – Saint Joseph's University jumped out to an early 1-0 lead, but the University of Delaware women's soccer team tied things midway through the first half and did not allow another go the rest of the way Friday night at Finnessy Field, playing to a 1-1 draw with the Hawks.
“Saint Joseph's is as hard and physical a team as we'll see all year,” said Delaware head coach Scott Grzenda. “They have a system and they play it well. Give their keeper a lot of credit she made some big saves when it counted.”
After Saint Joseph's (0-2-1) got a goal from Mo Hawkins just 58 seconds into the match, Delaware drew back to even at 1-1 after Leigh Victory snuck one past Hawk goalkeeper Christine Neal. Victory's tally was her first of the season.
The Victory goal came on a set piece following one of Saint Joseph's 17 fouls. Victory timed up her shot as the Hawk's defensive wall jumped up the air, putting the ball under the defense rather than over it. Victory caught Neal unprepared, finding the bottom left corner of the goal to tie the action.
Victory's goal was the second of her career, snapping a 39-game scoreless drought dating back to the 2009 season opening 3-0 win over Binghamton in which Victory had the game-winning goal.
Blue Hen senior Breanna Stemler kept the goal clear the rest of the way, finishing with a season-high seven saves. Neal faced a slew of Blue Hens shots, stopping six of Delaware's seven shots on goal.
The Hens dominated the offensive pace, taking 20 total shots, including nine off the foot of junior forward Ali Miller, who along with Dianna Marinaro, put two shots on cage.
The tie, which was Delaware's first since drawing 1-1 with William & Mary on Oct. 10, 2010, marked the 33rd of Grzenda's career and 23rd in non-conference games.
Saint Joseph's held a large margin in the corner kick column, taking 13 while allowing Delaware just 5. Showing their physicality, the Hawks were called for 17 fouls, including nine in the first half. Delaware was whistled 10 times.
“Tomorrow we prepare for Penn and hopefully we'll come out with the same intensity we showed tonight,” said Grzenda of the Sunday night match up.
The Hens will return to the City of Brotherly Love on Sunday as they square off with the University of Pennsylvania, which opened its season Friday night with a 3-0 win over UMBC. Game time is set for 7:30 p.m. at Rhodes Field.
