University of North Florida
Florida State University
FSU too much for young Ospreys
9/18/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- The University of North Florida women's soccer team fought its hardest Tuesday night in front of a hostile crowd, when they faced off against No. 12 Florida State, dropping the decision 7-0.
UNF (1-5-1) was led by senior Lisa Potoka and freshman Kristin Lazowick who helped organize the defense, limiting Florida State to only 28 shots. Goalkeeper Rachael Howard put in a stellar performance recording five saves.
Florida State put the pressure on early, not giving the Lady Ospreys time to collect themselves, scoring their first goal just 25 seconds into the first half. Despite giving up the early goal, the UNF defense quickly composed itself keeping Florida State off the board until the 20th minute, when the ball took an unfortunate deflection off Howard, bouncing to Mami Yamaguchi who put it into the back of the net.
The Lady Osprey defense continued to play strong keeping Florida State out of the net until the 40th minute of the game when Yamaguchi got her second goal of the game. The score remained 3-0 as both teams headed into the locker rooms at the half. Howard recorded four first half saves.
"I think the first half was an eye opener for our team," Head Coach Linda Hamilton said. "We got our first taste of playing a true Division I soccer powerhouse."
The second half began with the Lady Ospreys applying the pressure early with Katelin Swift getting a near opportunity to put UNF on the board. Swift collected the first minute of play, dribbling past several Seminoles before finally being dispossessed.
Despite the intense pressure Florida State managed to put another goal on the board in the early minutes. Swift had another opportunity at goal in the 50th minute off an Elizabeth Gowan corner kick that was pinged around the Seminole box. The play began with UNF pushing forward before Florida State knocked the ball out allowing for the UNF corner.
UNF continued to push forward led by Swift and Gowan keeping the Florida State defense on its toes. Gowan blazed down the sidelines several times earning UNF throw-ins deep in Seminole territory. UNF almost got on the board in the 75th minute of play when Gowan blasted a shot toward the goal after defeating two Florida State defenders.
The Ospreys fell behind 6-0 in the 78th minute with two quick Florida State goals. The first goal came off a Rachel Lim shot that found its way into the back of the net. Florida State's next goal came just seconds later after a UNF defensive break down. Florida State put another goal in the net just two minutes later off a Annie Stalzer shot made its way through Howard's hands in the 81st minute.
The Lady Ospreys had an opportunity to get on the board in the last six minutes of the game with two back-to-back corner kicks. UNF continued to work hard mounting several counter attacks in the late minutes, but were unable to find the back of the net as the game ended 7-0.
"This was a learning experience for us," Hamilton said. "We saw what it is going to take for us to challenge bigger teams such as Florida State when we are eligible for postseason play."
UNF returns to action on Friday when they head to Mississippi State. Game time is set for 7 p.m.
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