Two Quick Goals Sends Explorers to A-10 Semifinals

10/27/2023 11:50:00 PM

PHILADELPHIA — Haley Gschrey snd Emily Banashefski scored three minutes apart late in the second half to lift the second-seeded La Salle women's soccer team to a 2-0 win over seventh-seeded Rhode Island in the Atlantic 10 Conference Tournament on Friday night at McCarthy Stadium.

With the win, the Explorers (11-5-3, 8-1-1 A-10) advanced to the conference semifinals, where they will host No. 3 Dayton on Wednesday night. In addition, the Explorers extended their unbeaten streak to 10 straight games (9-0-1). 

HOW IT HAPPENED
  • The Explorers and Rams played a scoreless first half, but the Explorers controlled the offensive possession and outshot the Rams by a 5-1 count.
  • In the second half, the Explorers continued to attack the net until Gschrey managed to knock in a goal in the 73rdminute off a pass from Giovanna Castorina to give the Explorers a 1-0 lead. 
  • Three minutes later, the Explorers expanded their advantage to 2-0 after Banashefski headed in a score off a double assist from Gschrey and Madison McCready.
  • From there, the Explorers fended off the Rams from getting near the goal, limiting them to one shot in the final 14 minutes to seal the victory.
GAME NOTES
  • Gschrey's goal marked her seventh score of the season. The junior leads the team in that category.
  • Banashefski's goal gave her 10 points on the year after notching her third goal to go along with four assists. 
  • Goalkeeper Michela Auguadro secured her eighth shutout of the season in goal.  The junior goalie made five saves while producing the clean sheet. 
UP NEXT
  • The Explorers will host Dayton in the A-10 semifinals on Wednesday at McCarthy Stadium. Time for kickoff is to be determined.