University of North Florida
Florida International University
Lady Ospreys open with tie
8/31/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Fort Myers, Fla. - The University of North Florida women's soccer team kicked off its first game of the 2007-08 season with a 1-1 tie versus Florida International University, while at the Embassy Suites Kick-Off hosted by Florida Gulf Coast University.
UNF came close to scoring its first goal in the 13th minute of play, when freshman forward Tiffany Wiggen crashed into the 18 yard box before being called for a foul. Soon after, the Lady Ospreys dominated the run of play keeping FIU on their feet for the remainder of the first half. The Lady Ospreys had another opportunity to score in the 24th minute of play with a corner kick taken by senior Jessica Jowers. Jowers placed the ball in the box, where Elizabeth Gowan one touched it to net. Gowan got a chance to redeem herself in the 30th minute of play after collecting a through ball from Katelin Swift and placing it in the upper netting. The goal is Gowan's first of the season.
"I am impressed with the level of intensity that we came out with in the first half," head coach Linda Hamilton said. "With this being our first real game of the season, it was a great test for us to see how far we have come since preseason."
The second half started with a near goal for UNF, as Wiggen saw her second opportunity at goal, striking the ball at the FIU keeper. The Lady Ospreys continued to pressure the Panthers with several shot attempts.
Junior goalkeeper Rachael Howard, who was barely challenged, came up with several key saves for UNF to keep FIU off the board until the 40th minute of the second half. The late FIU goal sent the game into sudden death overtime.
The first overtime ended with neither team scoring, but both keepers coming up with big saves for their respective teams. The second overtime period saw the Lady Ospreys put up several attempts on goal, but coming up short each time. Howard once again provided many big saves late in the period, helping UNF to their first tie of the season.
"We would have liked to have gotten a win, but this is a great way for us to start the season," Hamilton said. "We are very proud of the way the team handled the pressure and was able to come together and play as a team."
The Lady Ospreys take on Alabama State University in its final game of the Embassy Suites classic on Sept. 2 at 11 a.m.
