Soccer Drops Matchup with Owls 2-1
CORAL GABLES, Fla. — The University of Miami women’s soccer team dropped the finale of a four-match homestand Sunday afternoon, falling to crosstown foe FAU 2-1 at Cobb Stadium.
The Hurricanes (2-4-0) dominated the run of play for much of the first half, but found themselves trailing on a goal from FAU’s Hildur Hauksdottir in the 23rd minute. Miami would respond, however, and the first goal of sophomore Emily Auld’s career with one minute remaining before the referee’s whistle tied the match 1-1 heading into halftime.
FAU (3-2-1) would go back ahead in the 64th minute, as a long-distance strike from Owls defender Olivia Mbala soared past Miami goalkeeper Emily Lillard (2-4-0). The Hurricanes threatened for the remainder of the match, but were unable to find a late equalizer.
The loss saw Miami end its homestand with a 2-2 record.
Junior Natalie Moik was heavily involved in the first-half action, with a shot from distance blocked in the third minute and a creative ball to forward Ashley Flinn that ended just out of reach out of the senior striker. Miami continued to pour on the pressure, including a breakaway from Flinn in the 12th minute that resulted in a shot just wide of the post.
A shot from Hauksdottir beat Lillard to the far right corner of the net, but Miami would not play discouraged. Sophomore Gianna Dal Pozzo stood up an FAU run in the 33rd minute to preserve the 1-0 scoreline, while fellow defender Shannon McCarthy jumpstarted the equalizer.
McCarthy, who has played all 90 minutes in each of Miami’s six contests, delivered a terrific over-the-top ball that landed right onto the foot of sophomore Emily Auld in the box. Auld managed to stay onside, collect herself inside the box and chipped over FAU keeper Sydney Drinkwater to knot the score at 1-1.
Miami nearly captured the lead five minutes after halftime on a terrific passing sequence from Auld to Grace Rapp to Cortney O’Connell, but the ball got caught under O’Connell’s legs deep inside Drinkwater’s box. A shot from Moik made its way high of the crossbar in the 54th minute, as Miami threatened but could not find the back of the net.
A tough run from Mbala gave FAU the lead again, as a blistering shot made its way past Lillard for the 2-1 lead. Miami got a few shots in the final stages from defender Maddie Simms that sailed high of the net, but the Owls held on for the win.
Miami will travel west to the Nike Portland Invitational for two matches next weekend. The Hurricanes will play Portland on Fri., Sept. 12 and the University of Washington on Sun., Sept. 14.
