Boca Raton, FL - The Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team had its most productive half of the season, scoring three second-half goals for a 4-0 triumph over the University of Missouri-Kansas City on Sunday afternoon at the FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton.  The team had its second shutout of the season and improved its record to 3-1.

The Owls scored twice in 31 seconds to break open a 1-0 halftime advantage.  FAU also recorded a season-high 28 shots in the victory.

Sophomore forward Jesse Shugg tallied the first two goals of the match in the 29^th and 50^th minutes.  The Burlington, Ont., Canada native raced along the left side of the box before drilling a shot from 15 yards to the upper right corner of the net for her goal of the match.  She later finished on a scoring opportunity set up by a shot from sophomore forward Brittney Nash that hit the left post. 

“We talked about at halftime to relax and play within ourselves.  And, if we did that we that second goal,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer.  “With that second goal things opened up for us.”

Shugg leads the team with four goals and had a game-high eight shots on Sunday to increase her total to 17 on the season.

“When Jesse is playing aggressive, she is able to compete with anybody,” said Dooley.  “It also makes us a better team offensively.”

Leading 2-0, the Owls didn’t waste time adding on with the first goal of the season from sophomore forward Marisa Russo.  The goal came immediately after Shugg’s second tally of the match.  The scoring opportunity was set up by a cross from Nash.

Later, Nash would later find the back of the net in the 77^th minute after drawing out the Kangaroos goalkeeper.  The Desoto, Texas native finished with a goal and two assists in the match.

FAU outshot UMKC 28-10, including 14 shots in both periods.  Shugg paced the offensive attack with eight shots, featuring six on goal.  Nash added six shots while freshman defender Amunique Scott and Russo each had three shots.  Senior defender Gabriela DeVries had two shots for the Owls.

Junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes recorded her second shutout of the season, making five saves on the afternoon.  The Clermont, Fla. native made four saves in the first half. 

FAU, 3-1, returns to the pitch on Friday, September 9 when it battles Jacksonville University in Tampa, starting at 4:30 p.m.  The match is part of the USF Tournament.  UMKC falls to 1-2-2 on the season.

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