Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Cincinnati, 3-2

Thursday, September 23

Philadelphia, Pa.

7:00 PM

Temple University

3-3-3, 1-1-0

Cincinnati

5-4-1, 1-1-0

Cincinnati

Temple

Women’s Soccer Triumphs Over Cincinnati, 3-2

9.23.21 | Women's Soccer

Box Score

PHILADELPHIA – Temple women's soccer (3-3-3, 1-1-0 AAC) picked up their first conference win of the season in a 3-2 thriller over Cincinnati (5-4-1, 1-1-0 AAC) on Thursday night at the Temple Sports Complex. Three unanswered second half goals, including the 87th minute game winner from Carly Steinberg gave the Owls the edge over the visiting Bearcats.

How it Happened

Cincinnati earned their first opportunity of the night just 13 minutes into play, drawing a foul inside the box to earn the penalty kick. Lauren Bastian lined up and without hesitation, buried it in the back of the net for the 1-0 advantage.
Despite taking six more shots throughout the half, the Bearcats only put three of them on net for goalkeeper Kamryn Stablein to tally three saves.
Cincinnati entered the second half ready to capitalize, finding their stride on a 47^th minute corner opportunity. Bastian sailed a long ball into the box for the Kendall Battle goal, advancing the Bearcat lead to two.
The Owls opportunity seemed to be dwindling, but a 2-0 lead was certainly not enough to put Temple away for the night. Hailey Gutowski, a key creator for the Cherry and White made a run down the left wing, placing a cross on the back post to allow for a streaking Emily Kavanaugh to tap in her first goal of the night.
Just three minutes later, Kavanaugh did it again. Lexy Endres popped a ball over the backline, forcing Cincinnati goalkeeper Anna Rexford to come out of position. Kavanaugh gained possession off the bounce, shifting around Rexford for the empty net goal.
With the game at a 2-2 draw, Cincinnati was fighting hard to gain back the lead but Stablein remained consistent, racking up five saves to keep the game at a tie.
Pressure was mounting and an overtime appearance seemed likely, but the Owls had other plans in mind. Temple earned a free kick above the box and assigned Endres to the job. Endres sent the ball to the back post, and through the scrum, Steinberg tipped the ball in with just under three minutes remaining for the game winner.

From the Coach
"All conference points are so important," Nick Bochette said. "This was one of those games that was a rollercoaster, but we came out after halftime ready to go. The grit that we had tonight was unmatched and the girls really dug deep and found a way. It was special to see and great for us as we head into our match against Tulsa."

Game Notes

Steinberg scored her first career goal, netting the game winner in the 87^th minute. The Colgate transfer has logged 783 minutes in nine games, proving to be an instrumental member of the midfield.
In just nine games, Kavanaugh now has six goals on the season, the most of any Owl since Gutowski's seven goal performance in 2019.
Standout forward Gabriela Johnson returned for her first match of the season on limited minutes after facing an injury prior to the season.
Stablein remained a force in goal, recording 12 saves for a total of 53 on the season and a .803 save percentage.

Up Next
The Owls will close out their three game home stand with a match against Tulsa on Thursday, Sept. 30. The conference matchup is set for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast live on ESPN+.