Two first-half goals secured a key conference victory for the women’s soccer team as they defeated Lafayette at Ridley Athletic Complex. The two teams have now swapped rankings in the Patriot League as Loyola (6-6-2, 3-1-2) improved to second and Lafayette (6-5-3, 2-2-2) dropped to third. 

Hannah Hoefs ’20 and Kaleigh Gallagher ’22 scored the Hounds’ two goals 2:33 minutes apart in the first half. Taylor DiMarco ’21 and Gillian Borton ’22 each recorded an assist.

A hectic first few minutes led to an early Lafayette goal by Sophie Salvidar, but the Hounds appeared to settle in and control the game the rest of the way. They finished with an advantage in shots (16-12), corner kicks (7-2), and saves (5-3).

About 10 minutes after Salvidar’s goal, Hoefs forced a turnover and bent a shot from 30 yards out to even the score. Hoefs leads the Patriot League with seven goals this season.

On the next Loyola possession, Borton passed the ball to DiMarco, who snuck a pass to Gallagher in the box. Gallagher beat two defenders and goalie Maggie Pohl to the spot for her first goal of the season.

Gallagher’s goal would prove to be the game-winner as the Loyola backline played disciplined and Paige Sim ‘23 was locked in with five saves.

Although the Greyhounds have improved in the Patriot League rankings, they remain two points behind Navy (13-2-1, 4-1-10), who has had a firm grip on the conference all season.

The Hounds continue their crucial stretch of conference play as they travel to face Bucknell on Wednesday. Bucknell currently sits tied for fourth place in the Patriot League, giving this matchup important playoff implications. Kickoff is at 7 p.m.

Featured Image Courtesy of Lizzie Bell.