MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – The St. Thomas University (STU) Women's Soccer team opened their 2026 campaign with a victory, defeating the Viterbo University V-Hawks, 1-0. Hanah Gonzalez provided the difference for the Bobcats, scoring the lone goal of the contest in the second half.
The Bobcats controlled the pace of the match from the opening whistle and consistently applied pressure to the V-Hawks' defense. STU registered 13 shots in the opening 45 minutes, including seven shots on goal, while holding Viterbo to just one shot.
Despite the offensive pressure from St. Thomas, the V-Hawks were able to keep the Bobcats off the scoreboard throughout the first half. Viterbo's goalkeeper recorded seven saves in the opening period as the two sides entered halftime scoreless.
STU continued to attack coming out of the break, firing 17 more shots in the second half. The Bobcats finally broke through in the 61st minute when Gonzalez found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Skylar Monroe provided the assist on the eventual game-winning goal, giving St. Thomas a 1-0 lead.
With the lead secured, the Bobcats' defense made sure the one-goal advantage held. Viterbo managed only two shots in the second half and three for the entire contest as STU limited the V-Hawks' opportunities throughout the game.
St. Thomas finished the match with a dominant 30-3 advantage in total shots and placed 15 attempts on goal compared to just one for Viterbo. The Bobcats also controlled the corner-kick battle, 6-0. Viterbo's goalkeeper was forced to make 14 saves due to STU's constant offensive pressure, while the Bobcats needed just one save to preserve the clean sheet.
Head Coach Michelle Smith's squad now looks to build on the season opener as they travel to Webber International University, on Wednesday, August 26.
Kickoff is set for 2PM.
