Sept. 21, 2007

Box Score

QUEENS, N.Y. - Krystle Jalalian scored the game-winning goal in the 59th minute to give the St. John's women's soccer team a 1-0 victory over Syracuse in its conference-opener Friday night at Belson Stadium. With the win, St. John's is off to the best start in program history and unbeaten through seven games with a record of 6-0-1.

Prior to this season, the best starts in women's soccer history were 1992 (6-1-0) and 2004 (6-1-0). The win over Syracuse was also the Red Storm's third-straight shutout and fourth-straight win on its home field.

The teams battled back and forth in the first half, and sophomores Kelly McConnell and Nicole Pasciolla had legitimate scoring opportunities. Orange goalkeeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan kept her team in the game despite being out-shot, 4-0.

In the second half, St. John's continued its offensive pressure and McConnell fired a close-range shot in the 59th minute that was saved by Bennett-Hattan. On the ensuing rebound, Jalalian hustled toward the goal and finished a low shot into the back of the net.

For Jalalian, it was her fourth goal of the year and the 11th of her career. The senior forward has been a force on offense this year, as her four goals in 2007 match the previous total for her career.

The St. John's defense was again stellar, posting its third-straight shutout. Goalkeepers Jaime Beran (first half) and Rebecca Capinera (second half) combined for the shutout, while the backfield foursome of Vaila Barsley, Julianna Cohen, Courtney Lane and Tara Mendoza helped hold the Orange to just one shot on the night.

In the midfield, senior Erin Bohn registered a shot, while the Pasciolla sisters (Amanda and Nicole) were their characteristic aggressive selves and each had a shot. McConnell, meanwhile, was efficient at getting through the Syracuse defense and tallied two shots.

St. John's held a final shot advantage of 13-1, and held an 8-3 edge on corner kicks. Bennett-Hattan finished with three saves for Syracuse.

St. John's improved to 4-0 at Belson Stadium this year, while Syracuse's record went to 3-3-2 overall, 0-1-0 in the BIG EAST.

The Red Storm is back in action on Sunday, when it plays Columbia in Manhattan at 7 p.m.

- Red Storm -