Box Score PHILADELPHIA, Pa- The Saint Peter's women's soccer team fell 0-1 to the Temple Owls at the Temple Sports Complex on Sunday afternoon.
WHAT HAPPENED:
FIRST HALF:
The new look Peacocks (0-2-0), who brought in 17 newcomers this season, began Sunday's contest in their final third, where the Owls (3-1-0) totaled two shots in under five minutes.
Saint Peter's struggled a bit attacking-wise in the first half, registering just three shots compared to the Owls' nine.
The Owls found the back of the net in the 17th minute when sophomore midfielder Valentina Bitterwolf hit a strike from outside the box.
Junior defender
Ayla Fraser was a solid help for the Peacocks' defense. Fraser had a strong defensive presence where she was pestering the Owls' attack and was a solid force for Saint Peter's.
The Owls were putting pressure on the Peacocks' defense, having registered four shots on goal in the first half. Sophomore goalkeeper
Bergljot Kristinsdottir made three saves in the first 45 minutes. Those three saves at half were more than her two total saves in last season's matchup against the Owls in Jersey City.
At halftime, the Owls led 9-3 on shots and 4-0 on corners, while the Peacocks had the upper hand in saves despite trailing 0-1.
SECOND HALF:
The Owls had another solid scoring opportunity in the 51st minute, but senior defender
Wilma Thodhlana tracked back and helped Kristinsdottir make a crucial defensive stop. Less than two minutes later, Thodhlana again provided excellent coverage to stop an Owl attack.
The Peacocks' first shot on goal of the game came from a free kick by senior midfielder
Julia Pinho Magno, but the strike wasn't enough to break the Owls' defence.
Kristinsdottir was a strong force for Saint Peter's defense, making eight saves on nine shots on goal. Thodhlana and Fraser were both strong pillars keeping the Peacocks in the game and holding the Owls scoreless in the second half.
UP NEXT:
The Peacocks head back to Jersey City, where they take on the LIU Sharks in their first home contest of the season at Jaroschak Field on Wednesday, Aug. 26 at 4:00 p.m. ET.
