Box Score
In the early part of the 2012 season, the St. Catherine University soccer team has continued to prove that it is a much-improved team from a year ago, managed to thrill fans and surprise critics with clutch performances from first-year players, and delivered several late-game heroics to defeat some of the toughest teams in the Midwest.
 
After beating regionally-ranked Carleton 1-0 in the first Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) test on Wednesday, the Wildcats continued to show that they are a force to be reckoned with as the team pulled off its second overtime win of the season to improve to 5-1 on the season on Saturday.
 
The Wildcats defeated the University of Dubuque on the road by a tally of 1-0, just over three minutes into overtime on a goal that came off the foot of first-year Elly Leyva (San Jacinto, Calif) on a pass from Lensa Gurmessa (Minneapolis, Minn.).
 
The goal was Leyva's second game-winner this week as she also scored the lone goal versus Carleton.
 
Head Coach Chris Citowicki was happy with the way his team came out for the overtime period after a sloppy first half and being outshot 17-3 in regulation.
 
“Credit goes to Dubuque for playing the way they did,” said Citowicki. “They played some great soccer and we didn't show up until the second half.”
 
The Wildcats managed to hold on to force an overtime period and finally capitalized on their opportunities.
 
“Once we found our rhythm, we created good chances,” said Citowicki. “(Heading into overtime), you could feel the energy in the group before we stepped on the field. They wanted it.”
 
Following another stellar performance, Leyva moves into the points lead for the Wildcats with nine and is second in goals (3). Leyva's three goals this season have all been game-winners. Gurmessa's help on the goal ties her with Leyva for the team lead in assists (3) and tied for the top spot with several other players in the MIAC.
 
First-year goalkeeper Danielle Mendez (Bloomington, Minn.) also recorded five saves against Dubuque.
 
Overall, Citowicki was satisfied with the way the team continued to show resilience, just as they have all season, in order to come out victorious.
 
“It wasn't a pretty performance, but in the end we managed to dig out a win,” said Citowicki. “That says a lot for a young team made up of 13 first-year players.”
 
The Wildcats return to conference play on their home turf, Tuesday, Sept. 18, as they take on St. Thomas at 4 p.m.
 
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