The Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team produced a strong defensive effort leading to a 1-0 victory over Middle Tennessee State University on Friday night in Boca Raton. The Owls, victors for the fourth straight home match, improved to 3-2 in league play. Freshman Alexandra Major scored the lone goal for Florida Atlantic in the 22nd minute after taking advantage of a free kick from senior defender Janelle Blake. The long ball sailed past the last line of Middle Tennessee defenders and Major deflected the ball past goalkeeper Rebecca Cushing. The goal was the third of the season for the Boca Raton native. Janelle and I had eye contact prior to the free kick, said Major. I remember coach telling us to hunt for the ball. Thats exactly what I did. Redshirt freshman goalkeeper Courtney Zwetsch made six saves to secure the victory. The Lutz, Fla. native has been in goal for all four of FAUs victories this season and has recorded three home shutouts. The Blue Raiders outshot the Owls by a 20-to-13 margin but FAU had seven of its shots on goal compared to six by MTSU. FAUs balanced offensive attack with sophomore Allison Griffin, Major and Blake each taking three shots. Also tallying single shots were freshman Marisa Russo, senior Laura Hyvonen, freshman Saskia Bryant and junior Gabriela DeVries. This team showed a lot of character (in this match), coming back after two tough and disappointing road conference losses last week to have a strong effort tonight, said Brian Dooley, FAUs head womens soccer coach. The girls were supportive of each other whether they were playing or on the sidelines. It took a total team effort. FAU will host Western Kentucky at 1 p.m. on Sunday.
