UNF drops 1-0 decision

Sunday, October 14

Jacksonville, Fla.

3:00 PM

University of North Florida

Florida Gulf Coast

Matthew Hollyoak

10/14/2007 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

Ospreys fall to Florida Gulf Coast in A-Sun match

Oct. 14, 2007

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The University of North Florida men's soccer team dropped another one-goal heartbreaker on Sunday afternoon, falling 1-0 to Atlantic Sun Conference newcomer Florida Gulf Coast at Hodges Stadium.

UNF (4-7-0, 3-3-0 A-Sun) came out sluggish in the first half, dug itself into an early hole and could never recover despite a furious fight put forth over the final 45 minutes. FGCU (6-6-1, 2-2-1 A-Sun) outshot the Ospreys 10-3 in the first half, keeping the pressure on before finally breaking through off a corner kick putback by Anthony Forde in the 24th minute.

The Eagles tallied seven corners in the first half and misfired on multiple other point-blank shots on goal but carried their lead to the lockerroom at halftime.

In the second half, UNF showed more energy but couldn't convert its opportunities into a score. The Ospreys outshot FGCU 13-5 in the second half, including seven shots on goal.

FGCU's defense and a tremendous effort from keeper Adam Glick preserved the win for the Eagles, who are in their first season of competition. Glick recorded seven saves and played a flawless game in net. Forde and Ben Foerstner led FGCU with five shots apiece.

"We brought a hangover from the Stetson game (a 1-0 loss on Friday in double overtime) into the first half," UNF head coach Ray Bunch said. "We gave them an advantage early, and that hurt us. After halftime, we got it together and basically dominated statistically, but you have to take your hat off to Florida Gulf Coast. Their keeper made some great saves, and they battled to the end."

Nine Ospreys recorded a shot in the game, led by three from Luke Gable. Keeper Andrew Calise recorded five saves for UNF.

"This is our most disappointing loss of the season," Bunch said, "because we didn't do ourselves justice in the first half. Successful teams at this level get over success quickly and disappointment quickly. We have to learn that lesson."

UNF's last seven games have been decided by a 1-0 score, with UNF winning three.

UNF returns to action on Wednesday at first-place Jacksonville University in the first SunTrust River City Rumble matchup of the season between the schools. Match time is set for 7 p.m. on the JU campus.