Underpreview: Delaware vs. Saint Joseph’s

Women’s Soccer

Time: Friday at 7 p.m.


Location: Delaware Mini-Stadium

About the teams:

About Delaware: The Hens are entering this contest coming off a 2-0 victory against Delaware State. With an overall record of 2-3, Delaware is looking to reach the .500 mark for the first time this season. The Hens are lead by senior captain defender Laura Klebe. Forward Ali Miller leads the offense, as she returns this season after scoring 14 goals and earning first team All-CAA honors a year ago.



About Saint Joseph’s: The Hawks are looking to rebound as they are coming off three straight losses to Hartford, Princeton and Iona, respectively. St. Joe’s will enter this game with a 3-3-1 record. The Hawks are led by midfielders Emily Irons and Jill Root. Irons is a junior captain that played in 17 games last year, while Root is a transfer from Monmouth University. In net, St. Joe’s relies upon Christine Neal and Lauren Jancuska, both of whom combined to give less than a goal per game in 2011.


Why the Hens can win:

The Hens’ defense has been stellar as of late. After giving up just one goal in the last three contests, Delaware will look to continue their stellar defensive play into their next game. If the Hens’ defense holds up like expected, this team will have every opportunity to win the game.



Why the Hens could lose:

The Hawks’ formidable midfield tandem of Emily Irons and Jill Root is a tough matchup. If they are allowed to control the pace of play in the middle of the field, it could be tough for the Hen’s to generate offense. Also, senior co-captain Taylor Thompson is out for the year with a torn ACL.



The numbers:

Three: The number of goals scored by substitutes this year for the Hens.


Four: The number of goals the Hens have scored this year.


Zero: The number of goals that St. Joseph’s has scored in their three previous games.


The prediction:
Even with Root and Irons being in the midfield, Ali Miller will shine through.


Delaware: 2
Saint Joseph’s: 1