BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team (3-0) opened up the fall 2021 home season with a 2-1 victory over Keiser (2-0-0). FAU went down by a goal at the 64th minute of the match, but the team climbed back to score two unanswered to clinch the win and remain undefeated. The Owls' 3-0 start is the program's best start since 1996.
First Half
The first half was quite a fast and clean one. By the end of the first half, FAU had the slight edge over Keiser in shots, 5-4. However, both sides could not find the back of the net, leading to a 0-0 tie at the end of 45 minutes.
Neil Strauber was hanging tough at net, as he recorded three saves in the first half.
Second Half
The Owls brought in four substitutes to start the second half, which would later show to be beneficial to have fresh legs on the pitch. Both sides were quiet on the offensive side of the ball until Keiser took advantage of an FAU miscue and Keiser's Lucas Jacobs' ball slid by Strauber. The Seahawks' lead was temporary with
Jose Alastuey responding at the 65th minute for the equalizer off a good sliding setup from
Fabrizio Cubeddu. At the 70th minute, a Seahawk fouled an Owl in the box to set up
Ivan Mykhailenko for the PK try. Mykhailenko's penalty kick was good for his third goal of the season, which would later become the game-winning goal. The Owls hung tough on the defensive side of the ball through the remainder of the match to claim a 2-1 win.
- Alastuey scored his first goal of the season, fourth of his career
- Mykhailenko's goal marks the 16th of his career. He now has the third most game-winning goals (7), 10th most career goals and 12th most points (35) in program history
- Cubeddu registered his first assist of the year
- Strauber was credited with the win after playing all 90 minutes in goal with four saves and one goal allowed
- Graeme Pratt and Daniel Skistad played all 45 minutes in the second half
- Alonso Coello Camarero and Vasilis Spinos also played all 90 minutes on the pitch
- Leo Keller made his first career start, tallying 65 minutes
- The Owls' victory helps the team begin the season 3-0, which is the best start since the 1996 season, the last time FAU started the season 3-0
FAU will continue its homestand with a matchup against UTRGV on Thursday, Sept. 9 at 7 p.m. Live stats can be followed
HERE and the stream can be watched
HERE.
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