Florida Atlantic women’s soccer checked into tonight’s action hopeful to pull off an upset against Southeastern Conference opponent Alabama, and with it their first victory of the season. They certainly made it a competitive outing in the first period, increasing their shots on goal compared to the season average, and would go into the break down just 2-1. But the Crimson Tide had other thoughts in the second half, turning up their attack immensely en route to a 8-2 final outcome at Alabama Soccer Stadium in Tuscaloosa. A trio of scores erupted beginning at the 17:55 mark of period one, when Alabama’s Kiley Kukan netted a ball to break the ice. FAU wasted no time in responding, and appeared to stun the hosts, as Michelle Horan provided the equalizer just :46 later. But the tie would be short lived as the Tide answered three minutes thereafter for a goal that put them ahead for good. The Owls primarily struggled to present an offensive front in the second half of play, and were unable to mount a threat on goal for the remainder of the period until the waning minutes when registering two shots on goal, the latter by Drew Dempsey connecting for FAU’s second score. Alabama improved to 4-1 with the win and outpaced FAU 20-8 in total shots, with a 12-4 edge on goal. The corner kick advantage enjoyed was by a much slimmer margin at 4-3 for the contest. Now having completed a two match road swing, Florida Atlantic (0-3-2) will return to FAU Soccer Stadium to host Stephen F. Austin this Sunday. Match time is 1:00 PM.
