Early Goal Propels Saint Joseph's to Upset of Top-Seeded VCU, A-10 Women's Soccer Semis

10/30/2021 9:01:46 PM

RICHMOND, Va. – Saint Joseph's (6-11-2, 5-5-0 A-10) utilized an early third-minute score to topple regular-season champion and top-seeded VCU (13-4-0, 9-1-0 A-10) in the Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Championship quarterfinals, holding off an offensively aggressive Rams squad – 25-to-7 shot differential – Saturday evening at Sports Backers Stadium in Richmond, Va.

The Hawks received the first of their two corners for the night just over two minutes into the contest, and a perfectly-arched shot from Izzy Greene dropped the ball right in the center of the box. Following an attempted punch-out from VCU keeper Grace Young, a header combined with three ensuing ricochets saw Erica Behr earn just her second goal of the season.

The Rams battled back over the course of the first and second halves, but a staunch performance from SJU keeper Katie Cappelletti staved off the VCU attacks. The sophomore concluded the evening with seven saves.

With the victory, Saint Joseph's moves on to the program's first Atlantic 10 Women's Soccer Championship semifinal match since 2018, matching up against the winner of No. 4 UMass and No. 5 St. Bonaventure at 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 5. The contest will be broadcast live via ESPN+.