TOWSON, Md.—Senior forward Samantha Russo (Yorktown Heights, NY/Yorktown) scored a career-high three goals to lead The University of Scranton women’s soccer team to its ninth straight win, a 5-0 victory over Goucher College in Landmark Conference action Saturday.

Russo scored twice within a two-minute span early in the second half to help the Royals break away from a 1-0 halftime lead.  She scored the match-winning goal in the fifth minute of the first half as Scranton improved to 9-2 overall and 2-0 in the conference.

The loss dropped the Gophers to 4-6-1 overall and 0-1 in conference play.

Freshman midfielder Kelly Egan (Essex Fells, NJ/West Essex Senior) had a goal and two assists and freshman midfielder Stephanie Gonnella (Randolph, NJ/Randolph) added a goal for Scranton, which held a commanding 21-3 advantage in shots.

The Royals, in the midst of their longest winning streak since 2003, also received an assist apiece from freshman midfielder Christina Akalski (Long Beach, NY/Kellenberg Memorial) and junior forward Courtney O’Kane (Springfield, Pa./Cardinal O’Hara).  Senior goalkeeper Kelsey McAnelly (West Chester, Pa./Villa Maria Academy) made one save to earn her fifth shutout of the season and the 28th of her career.

Egan opened the floodgates for Scranton, scoring an unassisted goal in the 58th minute that triggered back-to-back goals by Russo in the 60th and 61st minute to break the match open.

With three goals today, Russo moves into 12th place on the Royals’ all-time scoring list with 79 total points (29 goals, 21 assists).

During this current winning streak, Scranton has out-scored its opponents, 29-3

The Royals returns to action this Wednesday, October 9, against Western Connecticut State University at Fitzpatrick Field beginning at 7:00 p.m.  It is open to the public and admission is free.

--ROYALS--