Owls Edge USF 1-0 Thanks to Defense, Lehtinen

Sunday, August 28

Boca Raton, Fla.

1:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

2-0

USF

0-1

South Florida

Florida Atlantic

8/28/2005 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Aug. 28, 2005

Final Stats

BOCA RATON, Fl. -- For just the second time in program history, the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team has earned consecutive shutouts to start the season.

The Owls hung on for a 1-0 victory over University of South Florida Sunday afternoon at FAU Field. The only other time they started a season with consecutive shutouts was 2001 against Georgia Southern (2-0) and Wolfford (4-0).

"Our program has been built on defense," Coach Brian Dooley said. "Our players take great pride in their defensive effort."

Owl defenders didn't allow a shot until the 71st minute, and didn't allow another attempt the remainder of the game.

After playing a rain-soaked opener, FAU faced another extreme weather condition in this contest. Heat indexes were measured at over 100 degrees for the entire game.

"We went in thinking that would be the case, and so we were able to take the proper precautions and adjust accordingly," Dooley said.

Susanna Lehtinen scored the game's loan goal on a header off a corner kick by Ashley Mannarino, who picked up her first collegiate point with the assist. Lehtinen now has three goals on the season, surpassing last season's total. She already has six points on the season, after posting 15 in her first-team All-Conference/Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year campaign last year.

"She's capable of scoring one goal in every game, if not more," Dooley said. "She is one of the most unique and talented players I have ever had the privilege of coaching."

Goalkeeper Megan Coyne once again picked up the shutout. She made only one save, but it was a key stop. USF's Jessica Zabel blistered a shot that was labeled for the corner, but a sprawling Coyne was able to get a hand on it.

The Owls don't play again until Friday, when they travel to Miami, Fl., where they will take part in the Miami Tournament. Florida Atlantic has games scheduled for Friday at 4:30 p.m., against University of Miami, and Sunday at 6 p.m., against UCLA.