Owls Fall One Short in Battle with FGCU

Tuesday, October 18

Fort Myers, Fla.

7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

3-7-3, 2-2-2

Florida Gulf Coast

5-2-4, 1-1-3

Fla. Atlantic

FGCU

10/18/2022 9:29:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

FORT MYERS, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University men's soccer dropped a 2-1 decision to Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday night. This was the Owls' final non-conference match of the regular season.

FGCU got off to a fast start with the opening goal in the 4th minute. The remainder of the first half played out evenly with shot attempts (5-4 FGCU) and shots on goal (3-2 FGCU) slightly favoring the Eagles.

The Owls took control of the play after halftime, dominating possession for long stretches and launching shot after shot at the FGCU goal. They would eventually be rewarded in the 84th minute. On a free kick from the left flank, Spencer Mallion's delivery into the six-yard box caromed into the path of freshman Yuval Oren. Oren poked into the far corner for his first career goal to tie the match.

The draw would not last long however, as FGCU capitalized on a free kick of their own just four minutes later. Despite attempting eight shots in the second half with six on goal, the Owls ultimately fell short on the final score line.

Axel Hofmann finished with two saves in goal for FAU. Zach Hassell led in shots attempted (4) and shots on goal (3). Fritz Kleiner also assisted on the Owls' goal. He and Mallion are tied for the team lead with three assists for the season.

The Owls return to AAC action on Saturday night at Memphis (6-3-3, 3-2-1 AAC). Start time is scheduled for 8 p.m. EST. The match will be broadcasted on ESPN+.