Flash Points:
- Julia Hernan (Pottstown, Pa./The Hill School) made six saves in the match
- Gabi Morales (Madrid, Spain/Colegio La Inmaculada-Marillac) led the team with six shots, including two on goal
- SFU had a 7-2 edge in set pieces in the second half
Los Angeles, Calif.- Loyola Marymount scored four minutes into the match and defeated Saint Francis 7-0 on Sunday afternoon at Sullivan Field.
In a wide open, end-to-end game, the Lions found success through the air on crossing passes on three different occasions in the first half en route to a 4-0 halftime lead. SFU ran with the 24th ranked team in the nation but could not connect on their scoring opportunities. In the 12th minute,
Sara Suler (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) took a pass into the top of the box but her shot off an impressive move was blocked down by the Lions' defense. The sophomore had another chance in the 23rd minute but Sophia Leksan was there for the stop for Loyola Marymount. The Flash's best chance came midway through the half where a Morales thru ball looked to spring
Alyssa McGhee (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle). The LMU keeper charged off her line and over persued the ball but it was cleared out of harms way by the Lion defense before McGhee could get much on her touch.The Saint Francis defense matched the speed of LMU, getting into shooting lanes all match long.
Shannon McGinnis (Macungie, Pa./Emmaus) and
Jessica Keller (Sandy Hook, Conn./Newtown) blocked down a pair of shots while Hernan made six saves.
In the second half, the Flash's offensive pressure picked up.
Siobhan Bross (Danville, Pa./Danville Area) just missed high with a shot from about 20 yards out in the 56th minute and Morales was stopped moments later on a give-and-go off a corner kick. SFU would earn seven corners in the second half, leading to 10 shots, four on goal. LMU improved to 4-3-1 on the season while the Flash now sit at 1-7. SFU returns home on Friday when they host the Virginia Military Institute. Match time is set for 4 p.m.
