Rafols Banks Game-Winning Goal Late at UAB

Saturday, November 2

Birmingham, Ala.

7 PM

Florida Atlantic

6-7-1

UAB

3-11-2

Florida Atlantic

UAB

Photo by: ©JC Ridley/Owlpix.com

11/2/2019 10:53:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. –The Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team (6-7-1, 2-4) took down Conference USA opponent UAB (3-11-2, 1-4-1) Saturday night after capitalizing on a golden opportunity by Jean Paul Rafols. The sophomore scored the only goal in the contest at the 84th minute to elevate the Owls to a 1-0 victory on the Blazer's Senior Night.

How It Was Won

Both sides dominated defensively in a game that looked like one goal would seal the deal in the game. At the halfway point, both teams were tied with three shots apiece, with each of the three Hagay Jalon faced being on goal. In the second half, the Blazers outshot the Owls 7-6, but key stops by the Owls held UAB off the scoreboard.

Just when the game looked like it was going to head into overtime, Alex Alexis broke away on the left side of the box to find Rafols, who found the back of the net at the 84th minute. Rafols' first goal of the season couldn't have come at a better time, as the Owls' C-USA tournament chances are still alive with their first road win of the season.

Coach Worthen's Take

"I'm really proud of the guys," said head coach Joey Worthen. "We knew coming into this game it was going to be a battle and a must-win for us. Our guys competed the whole game and made big plays when needed! Hagay [Jalon] was fantastic and kept us in the game. The team still has a lot to prove and know we are one step closer to one of our goals of making the conference tournament!"

Of Note

Rafols scored his first goal of the season, fourth on his career. The clutch goal was also his first game winner
Alexis came into the match ranked 19th in the country for assists per game. The senior picked up his seventh of the season, which is tied for sixth in program history for most assists in a single season
Four of the Owls' nine shots were taken by Alexis with Jose Alastuey, Ivan Mykhailenko, Joe O'Sullivan, Blake Dean and Rafols taking the other five
Gritty defenders Adam O'Sullivan and Daniel Skistad played the full 90 minutes of the match. This was O'Sullivan's 11th full game of the season and Skidtad's fourth
Jalon tallied his third blank sheet of the year after recording six saves on the evening
The Owls' six wins of the season marks the most in the program since 2013

Up Next

The Owls will be back at FAU Soccer Stadium for the final time this season, as they host Old Dominion in a match that has big C-USA tournament implications. First touch is set at 7 p.m. with Senior Night festivities commencing beforehand.

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