Two teams heading in opposite directions met on the pitch in Paradise to play out the contest of the Owls. Rice (11-2-2, 5-1-1 AAC) was on a four match winning streak while Florida Atlantic was on a three match losing streak. Florida Atlantic gained a valuable point and the third clean sheet of the season drawing Rice 0-0. The first half was a great opportunity for the FAU defense to flex their muscles as Leila Etemadi’s (pictured below, Angelina LaBelle) led defense held the Rice offense to only five shots in the first. Rice had a shot within the first 30 seconds of the match, so being able to slow down the RU offense was a great omen for the Owls of FAU. For Rice, the first was a dominant showing in possession. Florida Atlantic was limited to two shots and one corner attempt. Rice had five shots with four being on goal. FAU’s Lexi Gonzalez did her part though as she had four saves in the first as neither team could find an advantage going into the half; 0-0. Both teams traded attacks in the second, which included a phenomenal stop by Gonzalez stopping the ball with a left hand grab in the 68 minute. The Florida Atlantic offense came alive in the second, but no goal was found as FAU and Rice finished the match scoreless; 0-0. It was a welcoming performance for FAU as in a time of needing points the Owls gained one. Rice is first in the AAC and owns a RPI rating of 36. Florida Atlantic showing they can hang around with the top dog of the conference brings a great confidence to the team for their final four matches. Rice had 11 shots with seven on goal. FAU had nine shots with two on goal with Horan Michelle being the shots leader. Gonzalez had herself a night as she had seven saves which is a season high for the goalkeeper. Both teams had two corner attempts. Post match Comments with HC Patrick Baker: ? Post game with @FAUWSoccer coach Patrick Baker after the #FAU 0-0 draw against #Rice . ?⚽️ #AAC #NCAASoccer pic.twitter.com/seOcsT1yex — FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) October 18, 2024 Florida Atlantic (2-8-4, 1-4-2 AAC) seeks to break a four match losing streak as the Memphis Tigers (9-1-2, 4-0-2 AAC) visits Boca Raton. FAU needs to find a way to score points if they want to enjoy postseason play as the Owls currently sit eighth in the AAC. The top eight teams make the conference tournament come November. It will be a tough task though as the Tigers are currently in second place in the conference. The match between the Owls and Memphis is Sunday, Oct. 20 at 6 P.M.
