Owls Outshine Miami 2-1 on Sunday

Sunday, September 7

Coral Gables, Fla.

1:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

3-2-1

Miami

2-4-0

Team	1	2	Final F
Florida Atlantic	1	1	2
Miami Hurricanes	1	0	1

9/7/2014 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Sept. 7, 2014

Box Score

CORAL GABLES, Fla. - Florida Atlantic University senior Olivia Mbala took on six defenders and picked her way the length of the pitch to net the game-winning goal as the Owls defeated Miami 2-1 on Sunday.

"I am very proud of the effort today and we found a way to be successful on the road against a really good opponent," FAU Head Coach Patrick Baker said. "Miami is loaded with talent and play collectively at a high level. We knew we would have to absorb pressure at times and be good on the counter attack."

FAU (3-2-1) took a lead in the 23rd minute as Hildur Hauksdottir netted her first career goal on an assist by Gabriella Sosa. The Iceland native scored from 18 yards out to the upper 90 to put the Owls on top.

Just before halftime, Miami (2-4-0) saw Emily Auld chip in a pass from Shannon McCarthy to even the game at 1-1 at the intermission. The FAU defense allowed only that shot over the last 25 minutes of the first half.

"Hildur took an early first-half chance well, which gave us a much needed boost," Baker said. "Unfortunately we lost the lead with 1:07 left before halftime and could have easily felt sorry for ourselves. We mentioned some key points at half-time and the players continued to perform well in the heat."

MBala then saw an opportunity in the second half and mustered the energy to go the length of the field for her first goal of the season.

"Just before the 64th minute, Olivia made a tremendous individual run and hammered a goal from 20 yards out," Baker said. "She showed great individual effort to have the ball in our half and then score one for that ages that proved to be the game winner."

FAU goalkeeper Sydney Drinkwater made two of her four saves over the final 17 minutes to seal the victory for the Owls. Sammy Lujan, Asta Arnadottir and Taylor Townsend also recorded shots on the day for FAU.

"After finishing our game on Friday after midnight versus UCF, I was worried how much we would have in the tank today," Baker said. "We used everything today and a little extra to be fortunate to win today. Miami will win its fair share this year and hopefully we can build on this result moving into another big weekend versus Jacksonville and Brown."

The Owls go on the road again Friday, Sept. 12 to face Jacksonville before hosting Brown on Sunday, Sept. 14 in their first home match since Aug. 24. For ticket information, visit FAUSports.com or call 1-866-FAU-Owls.