Boca Raton, FL - The Florida Atlantic University and University of South Alabama women’s soccer teams scored early in each period for a 1-1 draw on Friday night in the Owls’ Sun Belt Conference home opener at the FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton. 

Sophomore forward Brittney Nash scored in the 50^th minute to square the match after the league-leading Jaguars scored 90 seconds into the contest.

“We reversed a trend of falling behind and letting the game get away from us.  We continued to battle tonight and got a great goal to even the match,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach.

The Owls stand 4-5-1 on the season and are 0-2-1 in Sun Belt Conference action.  Meanwhile, South Alabama continues to have the league’s best overall record at 9-1-2 and has an unbeaten 2-0-1 mark in SBC play.

Nash’s third goal of the season came after a crossing pass from the midfield by freshmen defender Meagan Borger.  From the six-yard box, the Desoto, Texas native headed the ball off the right goalpost for the tying goal.

“If we can get Brittney in the box she is able to win a few headers,” said Dooley.  “Meagan did a good job of finding Nash when she made her the run to the goal.”

South Alabama struck first on Brandi Smith’s eighth goal on the year after a pass from Clarissa Hernandez drew FAU junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes away from net.

The Owls had a chance in regulation to grab the lead when sophomore forward Jesse Shugg slipped past the Jaguars’ defense.  She drew out the goalkeeper at the edge of the 18-yard box before her shot sailed wide of target.

Overall, FAU held a 20-19 shot advantage in the match, including a 17-12 margin after regulation.  The visitors had five shots in the second 10-minute overtime period.  South Alabama had an excellent scoring opportunity early in the second extra frame.  Smith fired a shot from 20 yards out that was deflected away by Lantes.  USA’s Linsey Snavely was there to pick up the free ball and fired two shots within five seconds.  Lantes blocked the first attempt and the second missed the net.

Shugg paced the FAU offense with six shots, while Nash added three shots in the match.  Junior midfielder Kara Mundelein and freshmen defender Yazmin Ongtengco and Borger each had two shots.

Lantes made eight saves for the Owls, which now have a 4-1-1 record in home matches.

The tie is the first for FAU since a scoreless draw against Arkansas State University in 2009.  FAU stands 8-2-3 in home conference openers under Dooley.

The Owls will return to their home stadium on Sunday, October 2, against conference rival Troy University, beginning at noon.  Live stats of the match will be provided at www.fausports.com.

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