Ospreys Not Able to Get By Owls

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The University of North Florida women’s soccer team was not able to overcome a first half Kennesaw State goal, dropping their second Atlantic Sun Conference match of the season, 1-0, in Friday night ‘s match-up at Hodges Stadium.

The Ospreys’ first A-Sun matchup at home contained little action for UNF in the first half, with the Owls recording the only four shots of the half.

“Conference play is always close,” said head coach Linda Hamilton.  “Matches like tonight always come down to who will make the first mistake or big play.  We had opportunities but tonight we weren’t able to put it together.”

In the 11th minute, senior Katelin Swift made a great run on the left side, but missed senior Lauren Maze who was sprinting to the back right side of the box.

In the 20^th minute, Kennesaw State put the first goal on the board with a through ball from 20 yards out from Caitlin Dingle, which found Katie Scott for the one touch finish from the middle of the box.

The Ospreys were not able to put together a consistent series of touch passes in the first half, but were able to come together in the later part of the second half recording a total of four shots.

Senior goalkeeper Rachael Howard made four saves on the night, three coming in the second half of play.  In the 72^nd minute, Howard made an incredible diving stop to keep the Ospreys within one goal and generate momentum in UNF’s favor.

Of the five corner kicks attempted by UNF two came in the last three minutes of the match with a strong UNF attack that was dormant for most of the first half.

In the waning minutes, UNF almost tied the score twice on a pair of corner kicks.

In the final seconds of the match, Swift was able to weave her way into Kennesaw’s box but was dispossessed in her desperate attempt of putting in the equalizer. 

“Sunday is an important match, said Hamilton.  “We need to let this match go and focus for Sunday’s match against Mercer.  Mercer is a solid team and we have to come out and play to win.”

UNF will play Mercer on Sunday, Oct. 4, at Hodges Stadium at 2 p.m. after the Bears coming off a win from Friday’s match against cross-town rival Jacksonville.  With a win on Sunday, UNF will have the opportunity to get back to .500 in the A-Sun Conference standings.