Late Saint Leo Goals Slow Tritons in Weather-Delayed Contest

SAINT LEO, Fla. - After a two-hour lightning delay and a valiant effort by the Eckerd College women's soccer team, Saint Leo University tabbed three late goals to send the Tritons home with their first loss in conference play by the final score of 4-1.

Saint Leo (4-0, 1-0 SSC) dominated early but Eckerd's defense remained disciplined, drawing three offsides calls in the first 10 minutes of play. The Tritons began to push forward offensively but Arielle Kabangu had other plans. 

Kabangu, a three-time All-SSC First Team selection and Division II All-American, notched her first goal of the match in the 20th minute. 

Eckerd's freshman standout, Olivia Ross-Johnson, put Eckerd on the board with the equalizer just seven minutes later on her fourth goal of the year. Both teams continued to battle evenly until the 61st minute, when momentum began to shift.

Saint Leo took back its one-goal lead in the 62nd minute with a goal by Natalie Melillo. Despite the deficit, the Tritons continued to produce scoring chances but were unable to convert. 

The Lions added two more to their lead with Kabangu leading the attack with goals in the 79th and 84th minutes.

Saint Leo held a 17-11 edge in shots and an 8-4 advantage in shots on goal.

Eckerd, now 4-3 overall, looks to earn its first conference win at home. The Tritons are back in action against No. 14 Florida Tech at 7:00 PM on Saturday in their first home game of the season.