Johnson’s Golden Goal Propels Women’s Soccer to Win over ECU

Sunday, September 29

Philadelphia, Pa.

1:00 p.m.

Temple University

3-5-3

ECU

4-6-1

ECU

Temple

Photo by: Zamani Feelings

Johnson’s Golden Goal Propels Women’s Soccer to Win over ECU

9.29.19 | Women's Soccer

Box Score Coach O'Connor Post-Game Interview Highlights

PHILADELPHIA— Temple women's soccer (3-5-3, 1-1 AAC) earned its first conference win of the season in high fashion, as sophomore Gabriela Johnson netted the golden goal in the 96th minute off a Julia Dolan assist to propel the Owls to a 1-0 victory over ECU (4-6-1, 1-1 AAC).

How it Happened
> The first threatening shot of the day for the Owls came off the boot of sophomore Hailey Gutowski in the 11th minute. Junior Djavon Dupree set up the play, racing up the left flank to find Johnson. Johnson played the ball to Gutowski, who launched a rocket on frame, but the ECU keeper was in place to make the save.
> The Cherry and White kept up the offensive pressure, stringing passes in the attacking third and pushing the limits of the ECU back line. In the 29th minute, Temple got another strong opportunity. Junior Marissa DiGenova and Johnson were working off each other in the Owls' offensive end to break down the Pirates' defense. DiGenova sent a shot on goal, but the keeper collected the attempt.
> Temple and ECU were trading possession after half time, each trying to create opportunities to get on the scoresheet first. In the 79th minute, senior captain Morgan Basileo came up big for the Owls, tallying one of her six saves for the day. Basileo leapt into action and make a critical diving save to prevent the Pirates from getting on the board.
> A minute later, Temple found another gear and was really challenging ECU's defense. Senior Morgan Morocco slotted a pass in the box to a streaking Gutowski. Gutowski fired a shot on frame, forcing the keeper to make the save.
> The Owls continued to relentlessly pursue a goal through the remainder of regulation and the beginning of the first overtime period. Six minutes into overtime, the Cherry and White broke through. Dolan found Johnson, who ripped a beauty through the outstretched hands of the ECU keeper and into the upper 90 to give Temple the win.

Match Notes
> Johnson netted the third golden goal of her career this afternoon against the Pirates. Last season, she scored overtime game-winners against Houston and No. 19 USF.
> Johnson's goal moved her sole possession of the top spot on the Owls' offensive production list. She now has eight points (3g, 2a) on the season. Dolan tallied her first point of the season with her assist on Temple's golden goal.
> Basileo and the Owls' backline of Emily Keitel, Arryana Daniels and Bella Sorrentino were key to the Owls victory. They were instrumental in holding the Pirates scoreless and earning the team's second shutout of the season

From the Coach
> "Today, we were dominant in the first half," said head coach Seamus O'Connor. "ECU made some changes in the second half, but we were able to adjust to beat their press. As the game went on, I knew that we were the team that was in position to win. The last 10 to 15 minutes we got the momentum back. We had a lot of chances that were really close, so I was impressed with the attacking end of the field today."
> "Getting a conference win at home is massive," said O'Connor. "With our recent injuries and heartbreaking matches against Penn and Cincinnati, I've been so impressed with the team's mental toughness and resiliency. This win is a great morale boost for us."

Up Next
> Temple will embark on its first road trip of conference play on Thursday, Oct. 3 as the Owls travel to Tulsa to take on the Golden Hurricane. Kickoff is slated for 8 p.m. EST.