LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College (4-0-2, 1-0-1 SSC) secured a 1-0 victory over Saint Leo (1-4-1, 0-1-1 SSC) at Berend Field on Wednesday night. Florida Southern scored the match's only goal in the first half and maintained a clean sheet with eight shots on goal. The defense held Saint Leo to just five shots throughout the game.
The first half commenced with the Moccasins quickly gaining momentum.
Allie Draper found the back of the net in the 3rd minute, assisted by a free kick by
Rilee Hasegawa, giving Florida Southern an early lead. The home team maintained pressure on the opposition's defense with multiple shots on goal throughout the half, though Saint Leo's goalkeeper, Soley Larusdottir, made several key saves.
Despite several offside calls, FSC's defense remained firm, preventing Saint Leo from altering the scoreboard. The half concluded with Florida Southern College leading 1-0, having set the tone with early offensive strength.
The second half began with the Mocs maintaining pressure on the Lions from the outset.
Isabella Payne initiated the half's offensive efforts with an early shot, followed by a series of attempts by
Madison Male and Hasegawa that were thwarted by Saint Leo's goalkeeper, Larusdottir. FSC's defense remained resolute, limiting Saint Leo's opportunities and keeping the scoreboard unchanged.
As the half progressed, Florida Southern continued to create chances, with
Ava Hackworth and
Aliya Roberts both making attempts on goal. Despite several shots being saved or going off target, the team's persistent offensive efforts kept Saint Leo on the defensive. The half concluded with Florida Southern holding their 1-0 lead, having successfully stifled Saint Leo's scoring opportunities and maintaining their advantage through solid defensive plays.
Draper scored the game-winning goal, finishing with one shot on goal. Hasegawa contributed an assist and added three shots with one on target.
Carly Brodsky recorded a shutout, making one save over 90 minutes. Tonight was her fifth straight game with a shutout, the most consecutive clean sheets in program history.
Ellie Dossantos managed two shots, with one on goal.Â
Soley Larusdottir stood out for Saint Leo with a total of seven saves, facing 20 shots during her 90 minutes in goal. Katja May led the team in offensive attempts with two shots, one of which was on target. Ane Buer, Ainsley Meyer, and Julia Gonsman each contributed with one shot apiece, though none were on goal.
In their next game, Florida Southern College will travel to St. Petersburg to face Eckerd College on October 1. The match is set for 7 p.m. at Johnson Field.
