Historic Victory for Saint Joseph’s Women’s Soccer
PHILADELPHIA – The Saint Joseph’s women’s soccer team achieved a notable 2-1 victory over VCU in an Atlantic 10 Conference match held on Saturday at Sweeney Field. This win marked the 200th career victory for head coach Jess Mannella, showcasing her successful tenure with the program.
Match Summary
The Hawks dominated the first half, taking control of the game with a total of eight shots on goal while restricting VCU to just one shot on target. The scoring opened in the 37th minute when Valentina Nardone scored a remarkable Olimpico goal, directly from a corner kick, giving the Hawks a 1-0 lead.
Just before halftime, Saint Joseph’s extended their lead to 2-0. In the 44th minute, Taryn Kozak executed a skillful run down the left flank before delivering a cross into the box. Kerri Jackson set up Chelsea Leal, who finished confidently, securing a two-goal cushion for the Hawks.
Second Half Developments
In the second period, VCU struck back early, halving the deficit. However, Saint Joseph’s defensive unit remained resolute, successfully weathering the Rams’ attempts to equalize. Goalkeeper Lauren Lebo played a pivotal role, recording three saves, including two crucial stops during the second half that preserved the Hawks’ lead.
Key Statistics
- Valentina Nardone netted her fourth goal of the season.
- Chelsea Leal’s goal marked her first of the year.
- Kerri Jackson recorded her second assist of the season.
- Taryn Kozak’s assist was her first career point.
Upcoming Match
Looking ahead, the Hawks face another challenging opponent as they prepare to travel to Saint Louis. The match is scheduled to kick off on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 8:00 PM, providing an opportunity for the team to build on their recent success.
