Owls Draw with USF in AAC Debut

Friday, September 16

Boca Raton, Fla.

7 p.m.

Florida Atlantic

1-3-2, 0-0-1

USF

1-3-2, 0-0-1

South Fla.

Fla. Atlantic

Photo credit: Maya Feigenbaum

9/16/2022 11:36:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Florida Atlantic University men's soccer tied South Florida 1-1 in its first match as part of the American Athletic Conference on Friday night.

HOW IT STARTED

In an evenly matched first half, it was the visiting Bulls who got on the board first. USF's Marcus Victorio whipped a ball into the box from the far side and Alex Sannes headed it home from just outside the six-yard box. FAU goalkeeper Neil Strauber got a paw on it but could not keep it out of the corner.

THE TURNING POINT

The Owls found the equalizer eight minutes after halftime. Off a Spencer Mallion free kick, Graeme Pratt out-jumped the USF defenders and got just enough of a glancing header to redirect it into the corner. It was Pratt's first career goal and Mallion's second assist of the season.

HOW IT FINISHED

FAU thought it had the go-ahead goal in the 74th minute. Nacho Alastuey played Andreas Raisanen into space just outside the penalty area. The Swede made no mistake with the finish, but the referee's assistant had already put his flag up for offside.

The Owls dominated the second half from a possession standpoint but could not find the winner. The first FAU Athletics contest as part of the AAC ended in a stalemate.

QUOTABLE

Head men's soccer coach Joey Worthen

"The way that we came out in the second half was fantastic. We played well, we started to get on the ball more, we defended well, and we created a bunch of chances. We wanted all three, but we'll take a point. With it being our first game in the conference, points are so vital so credit to our guys for what we got tonight."

WHAT'S NEXT

The Owls are back in action for the second of a three-game homestand on Tuesday when they host North Florida in non-conference play. Start time is set for 7 p.m.