Saint Joseph’s Triumphs Over Temple in Thrilling Women’s Soccer Match

On a rainy, blustery evening at Sweeney Field, the Saint Joseph’s Hawks edged out the Temple Owls 2-1 in women’s soccer. Weather delays pushed back the start, but the teams finally took the field, battling through wind and slick turf.

All three goals came in a wild five-minute stretch. Jayda Shehadi stole the show for Saint Joseph’s, scoring both goals and leading her team to a gritty city win.

This marks the Hawks’ third win in a row. They’re finding their stride just as conference play begins.

The Rainy Showdown: Weather’s Impact on the Game

Heavy rain and gusty winds forced a delay, making conditions tricky for everyone. Still, both squads pressed on, tweaking their approach to handle the wet field.

Strategic Adjustments by Saint Joseph’s

Coach Jess Mannella talked about how crucial it was to adjust tactics. She said the team kept an extra player back, knowing the Owls could counter quickly on the slick surface.

That bit of caution paid off as the Hawks managed to stay organized and focused.

Key Moments: Goals and Game-Changing Plays

Everything changed between the 73rd and 77th minutes. Shehadi’s two goals, her first of the season, made the difference.

Shehadi’s First Goal

At 72:29, Shehadi broke the deadlock with a beautiful free kick. Juliette Muro set her up, and Shehadi’s header found the top left corner.

It was a moment that really shifted the energy on the field.

Temple’s Quick Response

Temple answered almost instantly. After a Saint Joseph’s handball in the box, Valentina Bitterwolf calmly slotted home the penalty at 73:22.

Shehadi’s Game-Winning Goal

Just a few minutes later, Shehadi struck again. Chloe Khelli whipped in a free kick, chaos followed, and Shehadi pounced on the loose ball, firing it into the net for the winner.

Team Performance and Tactical Insights

Saint Joseph’s kept Temple pinned back for long stretches. The Hawks fired 14 shots to Temple’s 4, constantly threatening and keeping the pressure on.

Defensive Organization

Both defenses had their moments, even with the tough conditions. Temple’s keeper, Tasmin Bynoe, made a pair of big saves to keep things close.

But Saint Joseph’s relentless attack eventually broke through.

Coach Mannella’s Reflections

Coach Mannella gave her team credit for staying tough and adapting on the fly. She pointed out that patience and quick passing opened up chances, and that’s what made the difference.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches

With the win, Saint Joseph’s moves to 3-3 and stretches their winning streak to three. They put a lot of value on city matchups, and beating Temple fuels their confidence heading into the next games.

Next Challenge: Penn

Up next, the Hawks face Penn. They’re aiming to keep this momentum and grab another city victory.

So far, they’re 1-1 in city games and looking to tip that record in their favor.

Temple’s Struggles

Temple’s in a tough spot, now with three straight losses. The Owls need to regroup and find something to turn things around as the season rolls on.