FAU's Historical Season Ends on Two Late Goals by Kentucky

Wednesday, November 13

Norfolk, Va.

4:30 PM

Florida Atlantic

7-8-1

No. 15 Kentucky

12-3-3

Florida Atlantic

Kentucky

11/13/2019 7:19:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

NORFOLK, Va. – The Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team (7-8-1) fell to Kentucky (12-3-3) in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Conference USA Men's Soccer Championships, 2-0. At the 89th minute tied at nil-nil, it looked as though the game would be sent into extra time, but the Wildcats capitalized on two late goals to end the Owls' historical season appearance Wednesday night. The match marked FAU's first C-USA Tournament appearance.

How It Was Decided

Despite Kentucky being able to outshoot FAU, 11-1 in the first period, both teams were unable to find the back of the net. The Owls' backline showcased a tenacious effort led by captain Adam Sullivan who came up with a defensive save of his own at the 43rd minute. The sophomore also had the Owls' only shot going into halftime.

FAU showed urgency coming out of the locker room and would go on to outshoot the Wildcats in the second half, 10-6. As it looked as though the game was going into extra time, Kentucky's Eythor Bjorgolfsson caught Hagay Jalon at a bad time, etching a goal to put the Wildcats' up, 1-0. Just 14 seconds later, the Wildcats would strike once more to take the match, 2-0.

Coach Worthen's Take

"I'm really proud of the guys to be able to get to this point and what this means to our team and the program," said head coach Joey Worthen. "The game, itself, was a little frustrating. I give full credit to Kentucky. I have a lot of respect for them. They had a run in the first half but we were able to put them up in the second with shots to come up with chances. But for us to lose the way we did was disappointing and frustrating for the guys. We were looking to go into overtime and get a win. But in the end, I'm really pleased for our seniors and for them being able to go to a conference tournament. They have set a standard for our younger guys going forward."

Of Note

O'Sullivan came into the match with five shots taken on the season and came up with three on the night. Ivan Mykhailenko also took three to the net
Blake Dean and Alex Alexis came up with a shot on goal, apiece
Jalon faced 16 shots tonight, coming up with five saves. He finishes his senior season with a 1.64 Goals Against Average and 39 saves
Seven different Owls played the full 90 minutes of the match. The backfield unit of Daniel Skistad, Graeme Pratt, O'Sullivan and Tom Abrahamsson stayed out the entire match, along with Jalon, Alexis and Mykhailenko
The Owls' seven wins on the year is the program's most since 2013 and more than the past two seasons combined
FAU's three conference wins also marks the most for the program since 2007 before they were members of C-USA

Owls on Social Media

For complete coverage of FAU men's soccer during the offseason, follow us on Twitter (@FAUMensSoccer), Instagram (@FAUMensSoccer_) and Facebook (FAU Men's Soccer).