Owls Drop Season Opener 2-1 in 2OT

Friday, September 2

Boca Raton, Fla.

7:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

Missouri State

9/3/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Sept. 3, 2005

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL -- After waiting the entire off-season to play their first game in 2005, the Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team had to wait a little longer for the outcome than they had hoped.

The game was delayed in the 44th minute for 50 minutes due to severe weather. After play resumed, it took both overtimes to decide the outcome, as the Owls fell to Missouri State University 2-1.

"I am disappointed with the result, but not with our performance on the field," head coach Kos Donev said. "We possessed the ball for a majority of the game and played with a lot of intensity."

In the 25th minute, Danny May of MSU broke in on Florida Atlantic goalkeeper Anders Granstad and beat the keeper on the right side.

After a shortened half time, Eric Abruzo found a way to bang home a cross from Franz Chevannes in the 75th minute to tie the game at one. FAU possessed the ball a majority of the second half, but were unable to create scoring chances.

"You can't score goals without creating several chances. If you create six or seven chances then maybe you score a goal or two," Donev said.

After a scoreless first overtime, and with just four minutes remaining in the second, Henry Lawrence III was able to capitalize on a loose ball in front of the Owl net, and powered it past Granstad for the final tally.

The Owls will try for their first win again on Sunday, when they welcome IPFW to FAU Field for a 2 p.m. start.