Southern Miss
Florida Atlantic
Soccer Falls in South Florida Swing Finale
10/11/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BOCA RATON, Fla. -- The Southern Miss women's soccer team could not recover from a two-goal deficit in the first half, ultimately falling to Florida Atlantic, 3-0, on Sunday afternoon in Boca Raton.
The Golden Eagles (3-9-3, 1-5 C-USA) were looking for another conference victory after losing a heartbreaker to FIU on Friday, when the Panthers scored a goal off a deflection to win 1-0. Florida Atlantic (9-7, 3-3 C-USA) entered the game coming off a 2-0 win over Louisiana Tech on Friday.
FAU's first goal came in the 24th minute. Claire Emslie scored on a penalty kick against keeper Brittany Taylor to put the Owls in front.
Following the goal, Stephanie Garcia came into the game and pushed hard for an equalizer, earning three solid scoring opportunities in just three minutes. The first two were saved by FAU keeper Sydney Drinkwater, and Garcia's third shot just ricocheted off the post.
Florida Atlantic scored again in the 38th minute as Kelsey Parry sent in a long ball from midfield that found the head of Sammy Rowland, who put it over Taylor for the goal.
In the second half, the Golden Eagles continued pressing for a goal. Mary Kate Smith put two shots on goal, while Garcia and Becky McMullan each had a shot go wide of the frame.
The Owls found the back of the net for a third time in the 82nd minute. Geovana Alves headed in a cross from Sophia Sanchez for her seventh goal of the season.
Bri Scubeck had the Golden Eagles' final opportunity of the game, putting a shot on frame in the 84th minute that was saved by Drinkwater.
Taylor had five saves in the game, bringing her season total to 81.
Southern Miss continues conference play at home this weekend with matches against UTSA and UTEP. The Golden Eagles take on the Roadrunners on Friday at 4:00 p.m. before closing the weekend against the Miners on Sunday at noon.
