Chicago, Ill.- Saint Francis women's soccer won their conference opener 1-0 against Chicago State on Thursday night. 

"This team continues to grow every match." Saint Francis Head Coach Brian Diaz said. "They continue to show their grit and determination to grind out results. Full credit to Chicago State. Coach Reyes had them prepared and they were tough to break down."

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

>> Alyssa Mella scored the lone Red Flash goal in the 81st minute 

>> Lily Cornwell assisted on Mella's goal. 

>> The Red Flash registered four shots on the night. 

>> Emma Sawich made three saves in the match. 

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME
Cornwell found Mella on a brilliant through ball for a late 81st minute winner to collect three points for Saint Francis. 

"Our team made some adjustments in the second half and we were finally able to find the break through." Diaz said. "It was a great pass from Lily and great finish from Alyssa. To have two freshmen to combine for the winning goal in the NEC opener is huge."

HOW IT HAPPENED

The first 20 minutes of the opening half were uneventful as neither side could generate much offense. 

In the 23rd minute Tomke Dziesiaty had the first big chance of the game in front of net but she skied it over the crossbar 

Sawich made an outstanding save in the 30th minute on a rocket of a shot from Chicago State. The shot came from about 30 yards out and Sawich punched it over the crossbar. 

Minutes later, Rory Schaeffer cut off a dangerous Chicago State counter attack with an excellent tackle. 

In the 41st minute, Schaeffer delivered a free kick into the box and nearly connected with Lauren Pyle for a goal, but just missed her. 

Just before halftime, Sawich made yet another great save on a wide open Chicago State shot to keep things level heading into the break. 

Coming out of the break, Raine Korpics tried to put home a feed from Dziesiaty, but missed wide. 

In the 53rd minute, Dziesiaty nearly found Korpics on a cross in front of goal but it was a little too long. 

The Red Flash nearly went in front in the 71st minute when Mella fired a shot that was deflected and hit the right post. Mercedez Paino took a shot off the rebound and missed wide. 

Minutes later, Pyle nearly scored a screamer from 29 yards out and nailed the crossbar. Cornwell skied the rebound over the crossbar. 

Right after that, Sawich made an excellent sliding save on a breakaway chance from the Cougars. 

In the 81st minute the Red Flash finally found a goal from Mella on an excellent through ball from Cornwell. 

Sawich sealed the win via a clutch save with 15 seconds to go. 

"The ladies showed such tenacity tonight." Diaz said. "They defend with a lot of resiliency. These ladies are special."

FLASH NUGGETS

Mella and Cornwell tallied their first career points in the match. It was the first career goal for Mella and the first career assist for Cornwell. 

Sawich registered her third clean sheet of the season.

NEXT UP FOR FLASH
The Red Flash will look to move to 2-0 in conference play when they host Stonehill on Thursday, Sept. 26 at 1:00 p.m.