Women's Soccer Season Ends at C-USA Tournament

Wednesday, November 4

Miami, Fla.

7:00 PM

Florida Atlantic

12-8-1

Old Dominion

8-11-1

Old Dominion

FAU

11/4/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

Nov. 4, 2015

Final Stats

MIAMI, Fla. -- An historic season for the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team came to a close on Wednesday as the Owls came up just short in the Conference USA Tournament, falling to Old Dominion 2-1 in Miami.

The Owls (12-8-1, 6-3-1 C=USA) posted their best record since 2005 and had their best C-USA season in their third year in the league.

"I would first like to congratulate Coach Hind, her staff and players on advancing to the Conference USA semi-finals," FAU Head Coach Patrick Baker said. "We were well-prepared and thought we started the game very well."

FAU came out aggressive and struck first just 40 seconds into the match as junior Sophie Sanchez found the back of the net, but the goal was called back on an offsides.

In the 21st minute, FAU and goalkeeper Sydney Drinkwater saw an impressive streak of 603 consecutive shutout minutes come to an end as ODU's Grace Haverly scored off of a corner kick by C-USA Freshman of the Year Iris Achterhof to take an early lead.

"The first goal of the game was going to be important and they found the back of the net off a glancing header," Baker said. "Disappointing goal, considering we hadn't given up a first goal since Rice on the second weekend of conference play. I thought we started the second half well and a number of corner kicks but couldn't get a clean look at the goal."

ODU (8-11-1, 5-4-1 C-USA) doubled the lead in the 70th minute as Achterhof fired a goal from 30 yards out that found the top right corner.

"Their second goal was a tough one - long range and one we normally don't give up. Facing a 2-0 score line, we eventually changed our system and continued to show a commitment to find a way back in the game," Baker said.

FAU senior Claire Emslie sparked a rally in the closing minutes and took sole possession of FAU's all-time goals scored mark as she scored in the 87th minute on an assist by Sammy Rowland to cut the lead to 2-1. Emslie's 29th career goal breaks a 21-year old record as the Scotland native also broke the single-season shots record with her 76th strike of the year.

After making a save at the 89:19 mark, Drinkwater sent a ball into the box to Rowland, who took a shot that just missed outside the post as time expired.

"We had to good looks late - one right at the death, but couldn't find the equalizer on the night," Baker said. "Disappointed not to still be playing, but proud of our spirit and fight tonight. The girls had a remarkable year and have lots to be proud of when they take the time to reflect on the 2015 fall. We got a glimpse of what finishing in the top four looks like and participating in the conference tournament. FAU Women's soccer has broken new ground and next year cannot come fast enough."