Owls Fall to USF

Sunday, February 7

Boca Raton, Fla.

1 PM

Florida Atlantic

0-2

USF

1-0

USF

Florida Atlantic

2/7/2021 3:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team dropped their second match of the weekend, 3-0 Sunday afternoon to USF.

The Turning Point:
The Bulls (1-0) scored on their first two shots of the match, both off long balls and breakaways, in the 9th and 17th minutes, respectively. But from there, the FAU (0-2) defense really clamped down, only allowing three more shots before the break.

The Finish:
The only other score of the match came off a free kick from at least 25 yards out, early in the second half. But again, the Owls' defense limited USF opportunities, just two shots in the final nearly 40 minutes.

Notables:

Natalie Mangayi took three of the Owls' four shots – one on goal – with the other attempt coming from Gi Krstec
Goalkeeper Amit Cohen had two saves and played all 90 minutes; she was joined in that latter category by defender Amanda Martin
On a hot and muggy day, the Owls had 20 players garner playing time, with 14 recording 30 minutes or more

Quotable

"I think we did a couple of things a little bit better today than we did on Thursday," said head coach Patrick Baker. "Don't get me wrong, (USF is) very good, and they showed why today. Two long balls led to their first two goals, on one-on-ones, and I just think we're better than that … I thought we were a little bit better in the second half, (besides) an absolute rocket of a free kick to make it 3-0.

"Still plenty of work to do, definitely a work in progress. And we know we're playing really good teams, and it's not going to get any easier with Florida Gulf Coast, Florida and Miami. We've just got to keep people on the right track and keep the faith and keep growing and building. Hopefully, once we get to conference play, we'll have learned quite a few lessons."

Full Video with Coach Baker:

What's Next

The Owls are on the road for the next two, beginning this upcoming Thursday, Feb. 11, in Fort Myers against Florida Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. After another trip, to Gainesville the following weekend, the return home is set for Feb. 28, hosting Miami at FAU Soccer Stadium.