University of North Florida
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Mississippi State University
SEC too strong for Ospreys
9/21/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
STARKVILLE, Miss. - The University of North Florida women's soccer team dropped its sixth straight game on Friday night as they were defeated by SEC foe Mississippi State 1-0.
The Lady Ospreys (1-6-1) started the game by applying intense pressure on the Mississippi State defense, producing five first half shots. Junior Elizabeth Gowan nearly put UNF on top in the 17th minute, when she fired a knuckling ball right at the Mississippi State goalkeeper.
Sophomore Katelin Swift had an opportunity at goal in the 16th minute, but was dispossessed at the top of the 18-yard box. Swift almost scored again in the 29th minute after collecting the ball off a Jessica Jowers cross. Despite their best effort to score the Lady Ospreys headed into the locker room tied at the half.
"We came out strong and wanted to put early pressure on them," Head Coach Linda Hamilton said. "The first half was very good for us, both teams had chances but I think we had the edge."
The second half began with UNF dominating possession, taking the ball deep into Mississippi State territory several times in the opening minutes. The Lady Ospreys almost jump ahead in the 56th minute off a Gowan corner kick that pinged around the six-yard box.
Mississippi State struck first blood, scoring in the 69th minute despite UNF having the bulk of the possession. Ashley Hood scored her first goal of the season for Mississippi State after a diving Rachael Howard missed the ball allowing it to roll into the goal.
The Lady Ospreys continued to battle hard throughout the remainder of the second half, earning several near chances but were unable to find the back of the net. Howard ended the game with seven saves. Swift led UNF in shots with four, while Gowan had two.
"We are looking ahead, not behind," Hamilton said. "This game is over and we have to learn from it but not dwell on it."
UNF returns to action on Sept. 28 when they open conference play on the road against East Tennessee State. Game time is set for 4 p.m.
