Box Score JERSEY CITY, NJ – Genesis Castrellon scored the games lone goal via a penalty kick in the 56th minute of the contest to lift Saint Peter's over VMI, 1-0, on Friday afternoon at Jaroschak Field in Jersey City. The win is the first of the season for the Peacocks and the loss for VMI is their second straight after starting their season 2-0.
"Tremendous performance from the girls today," explained head coach Melissa Sherwood. "They played like a team and did everything that we worked on in practice and carried it out in the game today."
In a scoreless first half, the contest was pretty much even throughout. Saint Peter's posted a 7-to-6 shot advantage, while VMI tallied four saves and Peacock keeper Taylor McLean made three stops in the half. Saint Peter's also held a slim 2-to-0 corner kick advantage in the first half.
In the second half, VMI got on the attack. The Keydets outshot the Peacocks 14-to-7, and had five corners to Saint Peter's one in the second half of the game. Although VMI won the offensive battle in the second half, Saint Peter's scored the game-winning goal at the 56' mark. The goal was scored when a VMI player earned a foul after a tackle in the box, giving Castrellon and penalty kick. On the penalty, she managed to get a non-contested shot off going right, and finding the back of the net for her second goal of the year.
Peacock goalkeeper McLean, who already led the league in saves and ranked fifth nationally heading into today's contest, finished the night with 12 saves, earning her first shutout win of the season and of her career. Her 43 saves this season already match her total from a year ago.
"Every game we play, we are slowly progressing," added Sherwood. "Today, what was important is that we did the right things in the right areas of the field and the players not only have carried that through and done the right things, they have also shown great heart and courage at the end, getting bodies in front of the ball and getting blocks to hang on to the win. "
The Peacocks record improves to 1-2-1 and will have a full week of rest before returning to the field again next Friday, September 9, when they take on Sacred Heart at 3:00 pm in Jersey City.
