A 67th minute goal by Kendra Jones was the difference as the American University women's soccer team earned a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Holy Cross Friday night in Worcester, Mass. The win marked the Eagles' fifth triumph in their last six matches.

In a tight, 90-minute defensive battle, Jones' offensive spark proved to be all American (5-9, 1-1 Patriot League) would need to earn its first Patriot League victory of the season. Jones' goal was originally setup when freshman Katarina Kingston made an aggressive run at the Holy Cross defense and drew a foul in AU's offensive zone. Jones stepped up for the free kick from 25 yards out and drove it into the Crusader wall, although the ball bounced right back to her. The sophomore then gathered it, and struck a driving shot into the upper left corner of the goal from 20 yards away to give AU the lead.

For Jones, the goal was her first career game-winner. She scored her first-career goal earlier this season against George Mason.  

The winning score was one of only 12 total shots taken in the match. AU recorded five of them, including two on goal. Three of the seven shots for Holy Cross (3-6-2, 0-1-1 PL) were on target.

Senior Lindsey Farthing played all 90 minutes in goal for the Eagles, registering three saves to pick up her second shutout and third overall victory of the season.

"We worked really hard for the victory tonight, and I thought we defended extremely well," Head Coach Dave Bucciero remarked. "After Kendra gave us the goal, we had to really hang onto the lead for the last 25 minutes. I'm proud of the way we were able manage the game and come out with the victory."

After beginning the season with eight straight losses, the Eagles have now run off five victories in their last six outings. Additionally, 10 of American's most recent 11 matches have been decided by one goal with AU claiming victories in each of the last five one-goal games.

The Eagles will look to continue their strong play when they visit Army on Sunday, October 10. Match time from West Point, N.Y., is slated for 1 p.m.