Junior midfielder Erin Allen (Syosset, N.Y./Our Lady of Mercy Academy) scored her first career goal in the 56th minute to lift The University of Scranton women’s soccer team to a 1-0 victory over Richard Stockton in the Joe Bochicchio Classic on Saturday afternoon at muggy Fitzpatrick Field.

Allen picked up a loose ball in front of the left post after a Richard Stockton defender failed to clear a cross attempt, and calmly beat the keeper to give Scranton (2-1) the only goal it would need.

Sophomore goalkeeper Krissy Welsh (Swarthmore, Pa./Strath Haven) only needed to make one save for her first career shutout, but it was a beauty. With Richard Stockton (0-4) threatening midway through the first half, the Ospreys used some strong passing to get senior forward Lexi Stasi (Cranbury, N.J./Princeton) alone from nearly point-blank range. But Welsh made the diving stop to keep the game scoreless, and the defense in front of her did the job the rest of the way.

The Royals held a 10-2 advantage in shots, with Allen and freshman forward Samantha Wargo (Kings Park, N.Y./St. Anthony) leading the team with two shots apiece. Scranton also held a 5-1 advantage in corner kicks.

Day two of the Joe Bochicchio Classic will be held on Sunday with Scranton hosting Lebanon Valley at 1 p.m. at Fitzpatrick Field, while Richard Stockton will visit Marywood, also at 1 p.m. Lebanon Valley defeated Marywood, 6-0, on Saturday afternoon.

The Joe Bochicchio Classic is played annually in memory of late Royals head coach Joe Bochicchio, who passed away in 2007. In 23 seasons, he led The University of Scranton women’s soccer program to 296 victories, 15 conference championships and 11 NCAA Tournament appearances.

--ROYALS--