Loretto, Pa. – The Saint Francis women's soccer team (3-6-1) begins its title defense this weekend as it opens NEC conference play vs. Sacred Heart on Friday, Sep. 29, and Bryant on Sunday, Oct. 1.
Live Friday: Stats | Video
Scouting Sacred Heart
The Pioneers enter conference play 3-7 but five of its seven losses have been by a goal. Sacred Heart was a threat to win the title in 2016, finishing third in the regular season with a 5-2-1 record before falling in the semifinal to Central Connecticut State. Melanie DaSilva leads the team with eight points on three goals and two assists while Alex Mesropyan follows closely with three goals and an assist.
Series History
Sacred Heart defeated Saint Francis 3-2 in overtime last season despite two goals from
Gabi Morales (Madrid, Spain/Colegio La Inmaculada-Marillac). The Pioneers leads the all-time series with a record of 5-9-5.
Live Sunday: Stats
Scouting Bryant
Bryant enters conference play with the top record in the NEC at 6-1-2. The Bulldogs' only loss was in overtime on Aug. 30 as it enters the weekend with a five-game unbeaten streak and a 4-0-1 record over the last five. Bryant's depth is impressive as 11 players have contributed to its 14 goal-total. Remi Manna leads the team with six points on two goals and two assists. Goalkeepers Rachel Brightman and Meghan Dalton and the Bryant defense have been the storyline. Brightman and Dalton have teamed to allow just five goals on the season with five shutouts.
Series History
The Red Flash defeated Bryant 1-0 last season on a goal by
Sara Suler (Hermitage, Pa./Hickory) in the 67th minute. Saint Francis owns a 6-2 all-time record vs. Bryant.
NEC Dominance
The Red Flash, winners of three of the last five NEC titles, are 30-8-4 (.762) in conference regular-season action since 2012. Saint Francis went 6-2 last season to earn the No. 1 seed in the NEC Tournament and claim a championship.
Top Offense
The Red Flash lead the conference in total points and assists and rank second in total goals. Sophomore
Alyssa McGhee (Altoona, Pa./Bishop Guilfoyle) and senior
Gabi Morales (Madrid, Spain/Colegio La Inmaculada-Marillac) have led Saint Francis with 12 and 10 points, respectively, which rank in the top five. The Red Flash will now search for consistency going forward as 12 of its 14 total goals have come in four games.
Red Flash Host "Soccer Without Borders" Day
The Saint Francis women's soccer team will host a pregame clinic before its game vs. Bryant on Sunday, October 1. All donations will benefit "Soccer Without Borders", an organization that uses soccer as a way to help kids living in impoverished countries. Children participating in the clinic will have an opportunity to join the team on the field during pregame introductions.
