NEW YORK – St. John’s women’s soccer freshman forward Jaylen Vallecillo has been named to the Big East Weekly Honor Roll following her outstanding two-goal performance in Thursday’s 2-2 draw against Fairleigh Dickinson University, marking her first conference recognition of the season.
Queens Native Makes Impact
The Jamaica, Queens native delivered a breakthrough performance that showcased her scoring ability and composure in crucial moments. Vallecillo’s brace put the Red Storm ahead 2-0 before FDU rallied for the draw, demonstrating the freshman’s ability to create and finish scoring opportunities at the collegiate level.
“The forward is tied for the team lead with two goals and ranks second on the squad with four points,” highlighting her immediate impact in her debut season with the Red Storm.
Clinical Finishing Display
Vallecillo’s goals came in quick succession, separated by just 8 minutes and 44 seconds of game time. Her first strike showcased her aerial ability, as she headed home a set piece that drifted into the side of the net, giving St. John’s the early advantage.
“Good question. We’re talented, as you can see at moments, and that kind of came together, especially for Jalen, who Imean I’ve always known is that good, and she was really good in preseason and then got into the season. I think maybeshe was marking it a little bit tighter, but like this week in practice, you could kind of tell that was coming, that two-goalperformance. So, really happy for her, really excited for the rest of her season. I think otherwise, yeah, we were goodgoing forward when everything’s. clicking which I think it’s beginning to now because it’s taken a little bit of a while.” – Ian Stone SJU Head Coach
The second goal in the 53rd minute demonstrated her positioning and finishing instincts. Vallecillo bounced a header over the FDU goalkeeper after receiving assists from Madison Mariani and Julia Lombardo, doubling the Johnnies’ lead with a well-placed effort.
ST. John’s News:
- Red Storm Rising: St. John’s Overcomes Adversity to Defeat Sacred Heart 2-1
- Red Storm Defense Stuns Boston College in Scoreless Draw
- Nikolajewski’s Debut Goal Lifts St. John’s to 1-0 Victory Over FDU
- University of Rhode Island Come to Queens and Stun St. John’s University 2-1
Versatility in Different Roles
Following her scoring heroics against FDU, Vallecillo adapted to a different role in St. John’s impressive 0-0 draw with Boston College on Sunday. Playing 44 minutes in the defensive masterpiece, she contributed to the team’s collective effort that shut down an Eagles offense averaging 2.4 goals per game.
The performance against Boston College showed Vallecillo’s versatility and team-first mentality, as she embraced whatever role the game required while helping the Red Storm secure a valuable result against ACC competition.
Part of Honored Group
Vallecillo becomes the fourth St. John’s player to receive Big East recognition this season, joining goalkeeper Kayla Bower, midfielder Leana Ruiz, and forward Madison Mariani. This recognition reflects the program’s strong start under head coach Ian Stone and the emergence of multiple impact players.
The honor roll selection validates the program’s recruiting efforts and development of young talent, with Vallecillo representing the type of local talent that can make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.
Statistical Impact
Through the early portion of the season, Vallecillo’s numbers demonstrate her efficiency and importance to the Red Storm attack:
- Goals: 2 (tied for team lead)
- Points: 4 (second on team)
- Goals per game average: Strong scoring rate for a freshman
Her ability to find the back of the net consistently has provided St. John’s with a reliable scoring threat as they prepare for Big East conference play.
Conference Play Ahead
The Red Storm will look to build on this momentum as they open Big East play on Saturday night at UConn at 7 p.m. Vallecillo’s recognition comes at the perfect time as St. John’s enters the most challenging portion of their schedule.
Her development and confidence gained from the FDU performance, combined with the defensive lessons learned against Boston College, position her as a key player for the Red Storm’s conference campaign.
Building Foundation
The Big East honor represents more than individual recognition – it reflects the program’s upward trajectory and the emergence of a new generation of Red Storm players. Vallecillo’s quick adaptation to collegiate soccer and immediate impact provide optimism for both the remainder of this season and the program’s future.
As St. John’s prepares for their conference opener, Vallecillo’s combination of local ties, scoring ability, and team-first attitude exemplifies the type of player that can help elevate the program’s profile in Big East competition.
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