St. John's University Athletics
St. John's University
LIU
Red Storm Shuts Out LIU, 1-0
9/11/2009 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Sept. 11, 2009
QUEENS, N.Y. - Sophomore Jen Leaverton scored the only goal needed for the St. John's women's soccer team, as the Red Storm shut out LIU for the 1-0 victory on Friday night at Belson Stadium.
The Red Storm, who improves to 4-1 on the year, handed the Blackbirds (4-1) their first loss of 2009 after opening the season on a four-game winning streak.
Jen Leaverton scored her first goal of the year with the winner in the 84th minute. The goal was the fourth of the sophomore's career and her third-career game winner. Courtney Lane and Nicole Doran were both credited with assists. Lane recorded her second helper of the season, while Doran posted her first ever.
The Red Storm controlled the tempo of the game from the start and finished the contest outshooting LIU 11-7.
STJ came out strong in the opening half on both sides of the field, registering eight shots while limiting LIU to one. The Red Storm tallied its first shot on goal in the 28th minute. On a high arcing pass from the left side, Sarah McGrath headed the ball, but goalie Jennifer Bannon recorded the stand up save.
In the final six minutes of the period, the Red Storm offense surged and had two corner kicks and three shots. Freshman Patrice Casimir had one of the best scoring chances for STJ, as she received a pass about 10 yards out and fired a shot, but Bannon made another save.
LIU pressured in the second half, but could not get past the stingy St. John's defense, which made key stops and even recorded a team save. Goalie Kristin Russell faced six LIU shots in the half and made two saves to keep the Blackbirds off the board.
After pressuring in its offensive end for a while, the Red Storm ended the scoreless tie. On a throw in deep in the offensive zone, Doran took possession and switched the field to Lane. After a touch, Lane served the ball deep in the box for Leaverton, who headed home the winner.
The Red Storm will continue its homestand on Sunday when it welcomes No. 12/25 Indiana to Belson Stadium at 1 p.m.
