Women's Soccer Opens at FDU Friday; Hosts La Salle Sunday

PHILADELPHIA -The 2017 season begins tomorrow for the Temple women's soccer program when it travels to Fairleigh Dickinson for a 7 p.m. start time as part of a two-game weekend that includes the Owls hosting La Salle on Sunday in their home opener.

Scouting the Owls

> Head coach Seamus O'Connor enters his fifth year at the helm of the program with a 62-70-7 career record with the Owls. O'Connor is 3-1 in season openers and the Owls have been 5-1 over their last six years.

> Temple will be relying on its senior leadership this season. The offense will be anchored by senior forward Gabriella McKeown who finished first on the team with four goals and 10 points last year. Senior midfielder Elana Falcone adds vital leadership as she was a captain last year and is an active career leader for the Owls in assists (7) and points (19).

> In goal, the Owls have junior Jordan Nash returning who has a combined 34 starts and 120 saves throughout her first two years. Sophomore Casey Skelton played in three games last year and could potentially challenge for time in net.

> Morgan Glassford joins the soccer team this year after having a four-year standout career in lacrosse. O'Connor is incredibly impressed by what he has seen from her and he could see her making an immediate impact for the team.

> Ten of the 11 sophomores saw time as freshmen last year. They combined for three goals and two assists last year and added vital experience for a young Owls team.

> The Owls have eight freshmen that are joining the team. O'Connor has loved what he has seen from the freshmen this year so far and says seven of the eight could see playing time, adding that defenders Aisha Brown, Marissa DiGenova and midfielder Julia Dolan could potentially start for the Owls.

Scouting the Knights

> Fairleigh Dickinson is led by head coach Eric Teepe who enters his fourth year coaching the team.

> The Knights were recently picked to finish third in the Northeast Conference Preseason Poll.

> They return two First-Team All-NEC players in midfielder Jessi Reinhardt and forward Elma Kolenovic.

> Fairleigh Dickinson finished the 2016 season with a 7-12-1 overall record.

Scouting the Explorers

> La Salle is led by head coach Paul Royal, who enters his 15th season at the helm of the program.

> The Explorers return senior defender Paige McDowell was recently named to Atlantic 10 Preseason All-Conference Team.

> La Salle finished last season with a 4-10-4 overall record.

Series History - Fairleigh Dickinson

> Temple is 2-1 against Fairleigh Dickinson, with the most recent matchup being in 2015 as the Owls won the game 3-0.

Series History - La Salle
> Temple and La Salle have faced each other 22 times with the Owls down in the series 9-11-2. The Owls lost last year's contest 1-0.

Up Next
> The Owls will hit the road next Friday as they face off against Big 5 rival Saint Joseph's for a 5 p.m. kickoff time before returning home Sunday to face Lehigh at 6 p.m.

Women's Soccer Opens at FDU Friday; Hosts La Salle Sunday

Next Event

Players Mentioned

Aisha Brown

Kayla Cunningham

Marissa DiGenova

Julia Dolan

Elana Falcone

Morgan Glassford

Gabriella McKeown

Jordan Nash

Temple University Athletics