PHILADELPHIA – No. 3 La Salle women’s soccer took down No. 6 Loyola Chicago in the opening round of the Betterment #A10WSOC tournament, 1-0, at McCarthy Stadium Friday night.
The opening match of the women’s soccer tournament was a gritty battle in the elements, as rain and tough defense made scoring opportunities a premium. The first half saw only nine total shots, with just two on goal.
Both shots on goal came courtesy of the Explorers, including a late first-half strike off the foot of Justyce Hollenbach, who narrowly produced the first goal of the match before Loyola Chicago’s Allison Deardorff made a diving effort to keep Hollenbach off the board.
The beginning of the second half saw more of the same, as both teams battled at midfield while occasionally making noise in the opposing territory. In the 62nd minute, the Explorers found an opportunity off a corner kick and took full advantage. Senior Rylee Henson delivered a header off the corner kick and found the empty space to put La Salle up, 1-0, which would be the final score in this one. For Henson, it is her second career goal in her 61st career game. Ella Cadigan was credited with the assist, extending her league-leading total to 11.
Following the goal, La Salle kept the pressure up. The Explorers earned six corner kicks and three shots after their goal, draining clock as they eyed an insurance tally. The Ramblers made pushes at times, but it was not enough to overcome the 1-0 deficit that La Salle would win by.
La Salle outshot Loyola Chicago 12-5 (5-1 on goal) across the contest, topping the Ramblers stifling defense. For the Explorers, it is their first win in the Atlantic 10 postseason since 2023.