Panthers Fall in Conference Opener

by Jonathan Hower

September 15, 2012

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Women’s Soccer) – Nova Southeastern scored three first-half goals to knock off Florida Tech by a score of 3-1 in the Sunshine State Conference opener on Saturday at NSU Soccer Complex.

“We showed up timid in the first half,” head coach Fidgi Haig said. “We played much better in the second half, but it turned out to be too late. We are a young team and it is part of the learning process. It was a tough conference away game and the experience will help us prepare for the next game.”

Nova Southeastern (2-2, 1-0 SSC) scored from long range in the 18th minute to take an early 1-0 lead. The Sharks found two more goals over the next 16 minutes to take a 3-0 lead into the half.

FIT (4-2, 0-1 SSC) had its chances in the first half. The Panthers registered six shots, four on goal in the session.

The offensive attack picked up in the second half for both teams with the Panthers holding a 9-8 advantage in shots.

In the 73rd minute, FIT finally found the back of the net. Christina Edwards found Chelsea Pushman on the right side. From 18 yards out, Pushman drilled the ball to the top, left corner of the frame to beat the keeper and bring the Panthers within two goals of Nova Southeastern.

The Sharks held on to their two-goal lead, making two late saves, to earn the 3-1 victory.

FIT will travel to Eckerd on Tuesday, Sept. 18. The Panthers and Tritons will kick off at 7 p.m.