Temple’s Offensive Woes Continue in a 4-1 Defeat to Gonzaga

Written by: Liam Giannelli

Photo by: Temple Athletics

Temple Women’s Soccer suffered a 4-1 loss to the Gonzaga Bulldogs in what was the first ever meeting between these programs.

This loss extended the Owls losing streak to three games but ended Temple’s scoring drought that lasted over a month. The Owls scored their last goal on August 18, in a 1-1 tie with Maryland.

Gonzaga wasted no time setting the tone for the game, as they struck early with its first goal in the 9th minute of play, scored by forward Giana Riley in the top right of the goal. 

The Bulldogs offense did not let up in the first half as they found the back of the net in the 20th minute off a cross from Erin Healy, scored by Maddie Kemp. 

The offense also fired off eight shots, with three of them on goal. Also having four corner opportunities through the first 45 minutes. 

On the other side of the ball, the Owls offense seemed non-existent in the first half, recording no shots on target, and only having one corner kick.  

The Owls goalkeeper Kyla Burns made two saves to keep the Bulldogs lead at 2-0 at the half. 

The Owls offense entered the second half with intensity and an aggressive gameplan. 

They recorded their first shot on net with Roisin Mcgovern making contact with the ball in the box, sending a shot towards goal, but saved by Bulldog goalkeeper Lyza Bosselmann during the 51st minute. 

Kyla Burns made a leaping save in the 57th minute, to add a third save to her day, and help negate a three to nothing deficit for Temple. 

The offense for the Owls could not seem to find their footing after their scoring opportunity, earlier in the second half. 

Gonzaga would add another goal to its lead in the 80th minute scored by midfielder Lauren Elwer, to put away the Owls three to nothing.  

Roisin Mcgovern would eventually find the back of the net in the 83rd minute off a rebound from her own free kick, to end the Owls scoring drought. 

Gonzaga wasted no time adding to its lead with its fourth and final goal of the game coming from Kate Doyle, twenty-three seconds later after Temple’s lone goal. 

Head Coach Nick Bochette seemed optimistic regarding the Owls offense in the second-half ,heading into the rest of conference play.

“We’re hoping to continue to build on some of the positives,” Bochette said. “We’re hoping to be able to kind of build forward and do things that trouble the other team’s defense, heading into conference play.”

Midfielder Lauren SanFelice also seemed encouraged with the offense. 

“It is good for the offense to start getting goals,” SanFelice said. “We haven’t scored since our first game so it feels good to get on the board and keep the momentum going the next few games through conference play”. 

The Owls are back at The Temple Sports Complex on Saturday, in a tilt with the LIU Sharks, where they will look for their first win of the season.