Southern Miss
9-3-3, 4-1-3
Florida Atlantic
6-7-5, 4-2-2
Soccer Advances To The C-USA Semifinals
11/3/2021 11:15:00 PM | Women's Soccer
BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Southern Miss Golden Eagles earned a spot in the C-USA Championship Semifinals for the second straight year as the Black and Gold defeated the FAU Owls, 2-1, on Wednesday evening, Nov. 3, in Boca Raton. The win improves the team record to 9-3-3 on the season.
"We took a step with authority and faced a good team that had home-field advantage. Our purpose is not fulfilled and we are together, getting it done." Said Assistant Coach J.P. Valadares.
"I couldn't be happier about the game tonight. We kept the ball and controlled the game from start to finish.," started sophomore Blessing Kingsley (Carlow, Ireland-Presentation College). "Every player that stepped in dug in and gave a true team performance. We're more than ready for Friday!"
The Irish international, Blessing Kingsley and German product Samantha Stiglmair (Karlshuld, Germany-Miss. State) both struck for the Golden Eagles. Freshman Ilana Izquierdo (Cali, Colombia-Commeva) and senior Ariel Diaz each provided an assist on the night.
Stiglmair opened the scoring early in the first half at the two-minute mark, heading in a free-kick from Izquierdo at the near post. Southern Miss and Florida Atlantic battled throughout the first half as the Golden Eagles tallied six shots to the Owl's five. In the 39th minute, Diaz slotted in a perfect pass, allowing Kingsley to pounce with her left foot, giving USM a 2-0 lead going into the break.
For most of the second half, FAU and Southern Miss alternated possession with the Owls taking more shots, 7, than the Golden Eagles, 3. In the waning minutes of the match, FAU grabbed a goal in the 88th minute, giving the final scoreline of Southern Miss 2, Florida Atlantic 1.
Southern Miss will face off against the UAB Blazers in the C-USA Semifinals on Friday, Nov. 5, for a 7 pm (ET) kickoff.
For Southern Miss Soccer updates, follow the team's Twitter account, @SouthernMissSoc, and check the main athletics site at SouthernMiss.com.
Team Stats
Sam Stiglmair (2)
Assisted By: Ilana Izquierdo
GOAL by USM Stiglmair, Sam Assist by Izquierdo, Ilana.
01:46
Blessing Kingsley (6)
Assisted By: Ariel Diaz
GOAL by USM Kingsley, Blessing Assist by Diaz, Ariel.
38:13
Miracle Porter (7)
Assisted By: Amber Tam
GOAL by FAU Porter, Miracle Assist by Tam, Amber.
88:28
