PHILADELPHIA— Temple Women’s Soccer improved to 2-3 on the year Thursday night, taking down the Rider Broncos at Howarth Field by a score of 3-1. Rider, playing in its third game the season, was looking to take home its first win while the Owls were looking for their second win in five games.
The Owls took control of the offensive side of the ball early, as they largely controlled possession and had more shots in the first half. However, Rider senior forward Ellie Smith opened up the scoring just nine minutes in off of a cross into the goalie box landed at her feet. That would go on to be the only goal for the visitors all evening.
Temple kept the pressure on Rider, getting chance after chance to tie the game up. It took until the 12th minute of the first half for Temple midfielder Emma Wilkins to find the back of the net. The freshman beat three Rider defenders down the middle of the field and scored to tie the game up at one.
Just two minutes later, sophomore midfielder Morgan Morocco showed exceptional speed to break the tie and give the Owls the lead. Sophomore defender Emily Keitel assisted on the play with a nice, long pass downfield that led Morocco right onto the ball who finished with her right foot.
The score stayed like this for a while as both teams had their chances throughout the rest of the first half and most of the second half. Temple’s defense continued tormenting Rider’s offense, making even the simplest pass a difficult one. Sophomore defender Lacey Powell stood out throughout the second half as she denied almost every chance that Rider had inside the penalty box. Most every shot that was put on net was turned into an easy save for Temple goalkeeper Morgan Basileo.
The final goal to seal the deal came with four minutes left in the contest, as Wilkins put in her second goal of the night off of a rebound and deflection. Up 3-1, the Owls went into cruise control and played the clock on their way to a victory.
Temple outshot Rider 13-3 in the first half and 13-5 in the second half for a total advantage of 26-8, including three more corners. Temple’s substitution moves were also extremely effective. Wilkins and Morocco came on as subs and combined to score all three of the Owl’s goals while junior midfielder Sarah McGlinn had her chances as well with a total of four shots.
Temple’s next game is back at Howarth Field with a start time of 3:30 pm vs. Mount St. Mary’s.
For the 2017 Women’s Soccer preview releasing Monday check the website or follow @TU_SportsDesk on Twitter.
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