After facing another weather delay, the Owls were undeterred as they gained their first win in their final non-conference match-up against Southeast Missouri State. Like previous matches this season, Florida Atlantic had a great attack early as they had five shots in the first ten minutes of play. On the sixth attempt, FAU’s Jodi Smith (photo above, Angelina LaBelle) had a strike to the bottom right of the goal to give the Owl’s a 1-0 advantage and score her first goal of the season. Defensively for Florida Atlantic, the Owls did not allow a shot or corner attempt to the Redhawks in the first half. The dominant showing was a great sight for a team that is searching for their second clean sheet of the season. The lead held into the half at 1-0 for FAU. It did not take long for FAU to get on the board in the second half as Sloane Young scored in the center of the net in the 48th minute to extend the lead to two. As the Owls kept up their hard attack, Michelle Horan shot towards the top left corner to score the Owls’ third goal of the match in the 61st minute. The rout was on for the Owls as senior Drew Dempsey scored the fourth goal of the night for FAU. The 4-0 victory is the largest margin of victory for the Owls since 2022. Florida Atlantic also gained their first victorious clean sheet of the season. For head coach Patrick Baker tonight was his 350th career victory as a head coach in his historic career. FAU had 20 shots with 12 on goal. The Owls also had seven corner attempts. Defensively, Florida Atlantic only allowed three shots and when two of the shots were on goal by SEMO, Ashley Small was there to make two saves. OWLS WIN! ? Post Game With @FAUWSoccer Head Coach Patrick Baker After 4-0 Victory Over #SEMO and the first of the season for #FAU ! ?⚽️ pic.twitter.com/CavApRj85E — FAU Owls Nest (@FAU_Owls_Nest) September 16, 2024 It is now time to return to conference play for the Owls (1-5-2) (0-1) as they have the Charlotte 49ers coming to Paradise. Charlotte is 1-5-3 with a very credible 0-0 draw against top 25 Clemson. Florida Atlantic can turn around the season with a great conference showing. The match between FAU and Charlotte begins at 7 P.M. on Thursday, Sept. 19 in Boca Raton.
