MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The St. Thomas University Women's Soccer team opened its 2018 season with a dramatic 1-0 win over Northwest University on Friday afternoon at Bobcat Field.
 
In the 89th minute, Eva Castano Candela scored the game-winner off an assist from Sandy Benito.  The Bobcat defense then held off Northwest for the final 1:45 of the contest to secure the win.
 
Castano Candela was active all game at the forward position with a game-high four shots on goal.  She broke through with the game-winner to give St. Thomas (1-0) the season-opening win as the clock was counting down to a potential overtime scenario.  With the pass from Benito leading to the goal by Castano Candela, the timing proved impeccable.  It marked the first career assist in a Bobcat uniform for Benito and the ninth career goal as a Bobcat for Castano Candela.
 
The Bobcat defense of Lisa Wallje, Kylie Braeseke, Nicole Maribona and Amanda Gordon shut out Northwest for the full 90 minutes.  STU's starting goalkeeper Veronica Gonzalez recorded her first collegiate shutout, recording seven saves.
 
St. Thomas returns to action on Saturday at 12 p.m. with a match vs. Master's University (Calif.) at Bobcat Field.