Late Rally Falls Short in 2-1 Loss to FGCU
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami women’s soccer team fell in its home opener Friday night, dropping its matchup with visiting FGCU 2-1 at Cobb Stadium.
After battling its way to a scoreless draw by the halftime whistle, Miami conceded two goals early in the second period. Paulina Speckmaier and Tabitha Tindell were the goalscorers for the Eagles, who would have to fight to hold onto their lead.
An 82nd-minute strike from senior Erin McGovern made things interesting and cut the deficit to just one, but Miami could not find the late equalizer in the defeat.
Miami earned three consecutive corner kicks – all taken by sophomore Gianna Dal Pozzo – before the well-struck finish from McGovern from just outside the 18-yard box. The goal was the first of the year for the Oradell, N.J., native, who ranked second in goals for Miami last season.
“The big thing we talked about at halftime was taking chances and being dangerous,” head coach Mary-Frances Monroe said. “Erin took her chance and scored a nice goal.”
Sophomore Cortney O’Connell might was nearly on the receiving end of eager through passes from Jasmine Paterson and Natalie Moik in the period.
“I think we went into halftime explaining that there was nothing tactically we needed to work on, it was just putting in the extra effort to compete,” Monroe said. “I felt like in the first 45 minutes especially, I was very disappointed in how we came out and just didn’t want to compete.”
Just after halftime, Speckmaier’s tally on a scramble in the box put the Eagles ahead 1-0 in the 54th minute. The visitors wasted little time in doubling their lead on a one-on-one goal by Tindell in the 58th.
Miami would not break, however, and a 65th-minute strike from McGovern went just wide of the net as the hosts continued to apply pressure. The Hurricanes ended the night with seven corner kicks compared to just two for FGCU, and recorded four second-half shots.
McGovern eventually converted in the 80th minute, as a strike from distance made its way past the outstretched arm of FGCU keeper Brittany Brown into the far corner of the net.
“It was great that Erin showed up quite a bit,” Monroe said. “She took the team on her back.”
Miami would continue to attack, but came up short in the closing minutes.
The Hurricanes will continue their nonconference schedule Tuesday with a matchup against Jacksonville at Cobb Stadium. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
