MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The St. Thomas University women's soccer team battled the Warner University Royals to a 2-2 draw after twice coming from behind in a competitive matchup highlighted by four goals and an evenly matched offensive effort.
Warner opened the scoring in the 39th minute when Gianna Bellomo converted a penalty kick to give the Royals a 1-0 advantage. St. Thomas responded early in the second half, as Julia Ezcurra found the back of the net in the 50th minute off an assist from Sierra Olivo to even the score at 1-1.
The Royals regained the lead in the 65th minute when Bellomo scored her second goal of the match, putting Warner ahead 2-1. However, the Bobcats answered once again just four minutes later. Olivo scored in the 69th minute to level the match at 2-2, completing a crucial response from St. Thomas and securing the final scoring mark of the contest.
Both teams generated consistent offensive pressure throughout the match, finishing with 16 shots a piece. The Bobcats recorded nine shots on goal, compared to five for the Royals, while St. Thomas goalkeeper play helped limit Warner to three saves on the Bobcats' attempts that required a stop. Warner's goalkeeper recorded seven saves to keep the Royals in contention.
St. Thomas also finished with three corner kicks, one fewer than Warner's four. The Bobcats committed 13 fouls, while the Royals were called for 12. Skylar Monroe received a caution for St. Thomas in the 56th minute, followed by a caution to Warner's Hailey Westphal in the 61st minute.
Despite trailing twice, the Bobcats demonstrated resilience and determination, responding to each Warner goal to earn the 2-2 draw. Ezcurra and Olivo led the scoring effort for St. Thomas, with Olivo contributing a goal and an assist in the contest.
The Bobcats will now turn their focus their attention to Thursday, October 22nd vs SCAD.
Kickoff is at 7pm.
