The final mid-week match for the Owls in the 2024 season pitted FAU against FGCU (2-7-2, 1-1-1 ASUN). The final non-conference match for the Owls gave the team a boost of confidence heading into the final three weeks of AAC play as Florida Atlantic surged in the second half to get past FGCU 3-0. The match began with a dominant first ten minutes for the Owls as FAU had four shots compared to the Eagles one, but could not find a goal as the match stayed even 0-0. Florida Gulf Coast went on a shot streak of their own, as the final shot in that streak was saved by sophomore Francisco Ranieri who saw playing time for the second time this season. Other than that, the first half was missed opportunities by both offenses as the Eagles had the only shot on goal in their five shot attempts. The Owls had seven shot attempts. A dominant start by FAU in the second half led to Oliver Moller-Jensen’s (pictured above, Angelina LaBelle) first goal of the season as Florida Atlantic jumped ahead 1-0 in the 56th minute from the Owls first shot on goal in the match. When it rains it pours, as senior Noah Kvifte (Pictured below, Angelina LaBelle) found the bottom right of the goal to extend the Owls lead 2-0 from reigning AAC Offensive Player of the week, Aboubacar Traore’s, corner kick. Immediately afterwards FGCU’s Cao Chaves earned a red card as the Eagles were down to ten men in the final 20 minutes. The Owls were not content with a 2-0 victory as in the 89th minute Zach Hassell scored his first goal of the season to push the Owls to a 3-0 victory. Noah Kvifte and Arthur Widiez (pictured above, Angelina LaBelle) led the Owls in shots as the team had a total of 12 with only three shots on goal. FAU’s Ranieri was tested, but had two saves on the night. Both teams accumulated four corner attempts. The victory gives the Owls a 3-2-2 non-conference match record for the season. The Owls are .500 for the first time this season, and two Owls scored their first goals of the season. A great performance before a daunting late end of season match-up. Florida Atlantic (4-4-3, 1-2-1 AAC) will head South to face Florida International (4-4-3, 2-1-1 AAC), the first of three AAC matches to close the regular season. The importance of the match can not be understated for the Owls as the Panthers have a 1-0-3 record against top 25 competition. FAU enters the match in sixth place in the AAC with a total of four points scored. The final three matches, including FIU, are against the top three teams in the conference. Finding a way to earn a full three points in each match will guarantee the Owls a great seed in the AAC tournament, which seems to be there for the taking by any team. The Owls and Panthers face off on Sunday, Oct. 20, at 7 P.M.
