By Nate Owen

After a dominating win against Holy Cross, the Northeastern women’s soccer team ground out a tough and physical 90 minutes en route to a 2-1 victory over Saint Joseph’s. Redshirt freshman Liza Rebello scored both goals for the Huskies, earning Colonial Athletic Association Rookie of the Week honors.

The game started out as a grueling contest, with both sides struggling to gain the upper hand. However, the Huskies were prepared for the Hawks’ physical style of play.

“[The Hawks] are very physical … almost dirty,” said head coach Ed Matz. “We were prepared and played one of the better games of this season.”

Both teams exchanged blows, as the Hawks finished with 14 fouls while Northeastern had 15. St. Joe’s also received two yellow cards.

As the first half drew to a close, neither team had managed to net a goal. That all changed in the 40th minute, when Rebello took a pass from sophomore forward Jenna Lucchesi and slipped it in just out of the reach of St. Joe’s keeper Jen Kuhn.

The Hawks took little time to respond to Rebello’s first strike, as senior midfielder Kimmy Leigh fired a laser from 20 yards out, beaming it in beyond the reach of junior keeper Annie Petrofsky.

The game remained tied until the 46th minute, when Rebello scored her second goal of the day, directing a pass from sophomore midfielder Hanna Olsson past the reach of Kuhn.

“It feels good [to score two goals],” Rebello said, who only had one coming into the game. “[Today] was a great win, we really needed it. We worked hard the whole game, [it was] a good team effort.”

Matz was also pleased with Rebello, who had to sit out her true freshman year with a torn ACL.

“We knew last year she was a good goal scorer,” Matz said. “[Today] was an ideal game. It was physical and she scored two great goals.”

Despite having the lead for much of the second half, Northeastern did not let up, continuing to put the pressure on St. Joe’s throughout the second half.

The Huskies also got several outstanding saves from Petrofsky, who had four overall while only allowing one goal. Luhn had six saves for the Hawks, while allowing the two goals to Rebello.

Overall, Northeastern had 15 shots on goal, while St. Joe’s managed just 10.

Matz was pleased with his team’s performance in what he viewed as a crucial game for the Huskies.

“[We] are still a young team, this game was a good test early in the season, he said. “It was good to be able to have it on our home field.”

Northeastern will continue its season against St. Mary’s at the Harvard Tournament Friday at 4 p.m.