MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Barry University’s women’s soccer team took care of business at home, improving to 4-0 in conference play, with a 2-1 win over Saint Leo Wednesday night.
Barry (9-3-0, 4-0-0 SSC) used a constant attack and a swarming defense, led by goalkeeper Becca Rogers, in route to winning its fifth consecutive game.
It took just nine minutes into the match for the Bucs to get on the board with a blast off the foot of Tamara Vuckovich, nearly 50 yards out, to beat goalkeeper Abby Evans on the free-kick opportunity.
The first half belonged to the Bucs, keeping constant possession and holding the Lion’s offensive star Arielle Kabangu, who entered the game with 15 goals in 10 games, in check.
Saint Leo (7-4-0, 2-1-0 SSC) trailed 1-0 early in the second half, but looked like a revitalized team following the intermission. The Lions turned up their offensive aggressiveness, which was led by Jordan Saffron.
With a one goal lead, Rogers made five of her nine saves in the second period. Saffron struck three shots in a matter of minutes, all within range, but Rogers was up to the challenge making spectacular saves all night.
The Buccaneers responded with another goal, this time Vuckovich finding Lavinia Nkomo who made a run down the left side to beat the defense and Evans, increasing the Bucs’ lead to 2-0.
The Lions added a late goal in the 84th minute to break the shutout bid, but Barry was able to hold on for the 2-1 victory.
The win now leaves the Buccaneers as the only undefeated team in conference play.
Barry returns to action on Saturday against Florida Tech University in yet another SSC matchup. The Bucs fell to the Panthers on the road earlier this season in a non-conference meeting, and they’ll be looking to avenge the 1-0 loss.
Live-stat and video broadcast will be available through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRBUCS.COM.