Mobile, AL - The Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team had 11 of its 15 shots in the second half but could never cross the goal line in a 1-0 loss at the University of South Alabama on Sunday.

FAU falls to 3-6 on the season and concludes the opening week of Sun Belt Conference play with a 1-1 record. The team defeated Troy University 2-0 on September 21. South Alabama stands 6-5-1 overall and 1-1 in league action.

The host Jaguars scored the only goal in the 31^st minute of the match on Clarissa Hernandez’s free kick that surprised the Owls’ defense.

FAU came back to control play throughout the second half, holding an 11-5 shot advantage and having two of three corner-kick opportunities. The team recorded seven shots on goal in the second half.

“It was a hard-fought conference match that went right down to the last seconds,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach. “We certainly had our chances, but could never manage to get a score. Our girls played hard and determined, and we seemed to get stronger throughout the second half.”

FAU’s scoring opportunities included a header by junior forward Brittney Nash that hit the goalpost in the 53^rd minute. Meanwhile, sophomore defender Yazmin Ongtengco’s shot in the final minute was saved by a USA defender. In fact, shots by junior midfielder Marisa Russo and freshman forward Haleigh Stremanos in the first half were also stopped by a Jaguar defender after getting past the opposing goalkeeper.

Senior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes had another strong performance, making five saves in net and stopping a penalty kick in the seventh minute of the match.

Nash led the offensive attack with four shots. Freshman Claire Emslie and Natalia Hernandez and Ongtengco each recorded two shots each in the loss.

FAU’s next SBC action will be at home, hosting Western Kentucky University on Friday, September 28, at 7 p.m. at the FAU Soccer Stadium, 777 Glades Road on the Boca Raton campus. Live statistics can be found at www.fausports.com. For tickets contact the FAU Ticket Office at 1-866-FAU-OWLS.

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