BABSON PARK, Fla. – The St. Thomas University Women's Soccer team earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over the Webber International University Warriors, overcoming an early deficit behind goals from Natalie Woodward and Julia Ezcurra.
Webber International opened the scoring in the 24th minute when Ariana Suarez found the back of the net for her first goal of the season. Sophia Schlager provided the assist to give the Warriors a 1-0 advantage.
The Bobcats responded before the halftime break. In the 41st minute, Natalie Woodward delivered the equalizer, scoring her first goal of the season to bring STU level at 1-1. Woodward's goal sent the two sides into halftime tied despite Webber holding a slight 3-4 disadvantage in total shots during the opening 45 minutes.
With the match still tied deep into the second half, STU found the breakthrough it needed.
Julia Ezcurra put the Bobcats ahead in the 77th minute, finding the back of the net for her first goal of the season and giving St. Thomas a 2-1 advantage. The Bobcats' defense took care of the rest, holding off the Warriors over the final 13 minutes to secure the victory.
The Bobcats finished with five saves, including four in the second half, to preserve the one-goal advantage.
Webber International finished the contest with a 12-9 advantage in total shots, while both teams placed six attempts on goal. STU made the most of its opportunities, converting two of its six shots on target. The Bobcats also held a 4-1 advantage in corner kicks.
St. Thomas committed just three fouls compared to seven by Webber International. Mariana Sanchez received a caution for the Bobcats in the 21st minute, while Webber's Genesis Ramirez Sanchez was cautioned in the 88th minute.
St. Thomas will now travel down the Palmetto Expressway as they take on Florida National University on Friday, August 28th.
Kickoff is at 10:30AM.
