WASHINGTON, DC- The Juniata women's soccer team stood its ground against the top squad in the Landmark Conference in Catholic as the two teams played to a 1-1 tie on Saturday afternoon. Juniata ends its season with a final record of 6-9-3 and 1-4-2 in the conference while the Cardinals are 13-1-3 and 6-0-1 in the Landmark.
Eagles head coach Scott McKenzie had nothing but positive remarks following the game. "Our four seniors played inspired soccer today in a game that will define the character of this team," he said. "Kerry Leonard (Cockeysville, MD/Maryvale Prep) was superb in goal and she and her teammates turned away a fierce Catholic attack."
The Cardinals outshot the Eagles by a 39-6 margin. Leonard faced 22 of them and stopped 21 for a career-high.
Juniata struck first in the 16th minute. Michaela Lacek (New Tripoli, PA/Northwestern) beat out the Catholic defense and shot into the left side of the net and in for the goal as the Eagles went ahead 1-0.
The JC lead last for just over 14 minutes. In the 30th minute, Nia Gomez crossed in front of the goal to Kirsten Wosleger who tapped it in past Leonard to knot the game at 1-1.
Catholic had a 13-5 advantage in shots in the second half. Stellar play from the Juniata defense along with some tough saves from Leonard prevented the Cardinals from going ahead.
Catholic also had an 11-0 lead in corner kicks. Both teams had eight fouls.
Today's game marked the final one for seniors Shayna King (Easton, PA/Easton Area), Lauren Liacouras (Collegeville, PA/Perkiomen Valley), Lillian Dudek (Downingtown, PA/Upattinas School), and Katie Szczur (Johnstown, PA/Richland). The four players have amassed an overall record of 34 wins, 31 losses and seven ties and have qualified for the Landmark Conference Tournament twice during their time at Juniata.
