Soccer Comeback Downs Elk Grove

News

ELK GROVE, Calif. – The St. Francis varsity soccer team posted a 2-1 comeback victory over Elk Grove on Thursday behind second-half goals by freshman Marli Berry and sophomore Janae DeFazio with assists by sophomore A.J. Tanner and senior Ariana Avila.

Elk Grove took the early lead with the only goal in the first half after a slow start by the Troubadours. After having their game postponed on Tuesday due to the rain storm, the Troubies were sluggish coming out on Tuesday.

“In the first half we were unfocused and we were not getting first to the ball,” said senior Alyssa Shebert.  “In the second we really stepped it up and played our game.”

Berry tied the game midway into the second as St. Francis (6-2-3, 2-0-1) started to control the play.

“After we focused more and played as a team instead of as individuals, we came together and were able to combine and get chances,” said Berry.

DeFazio connected a few minutes later to provide the game-winning goal that held up as Kaitlyn Hendrickson held the Thundering Herd out of the goal for the final 70 minutes. She had eight saves overall.

“We have got to stay focused in warmups and it was not our home field so it took some adjustment” said Berry about today’s start. “This field was very slick but we came out (with the win).”

St. Francis remained undefeated in league play. They return to Elk Grove on Tuesday to take on Sheldon at 2 p.m. before hosting Franklin on Thursday at home at Granite Regional Park.

“It felt really good making the comeback in the second half,” said Shebert. “It feels good to come out with the win.”

St. Francis 2, Elk Grove 1 1 2 F
St. Francis 0 2 2
Elk Grove 1 0 0

SF – Berry, DeFazio. EG – O’Neal.