University of North Florida
East Tennessee State University
Lady Ospreys shipwreck Bucs
9/28/2007 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. - The University of North Florida women's soccer team (2-6-1, 1-0-0 A-Sun) opened Atlantic Sun conference play defeating East Tennessee State 2-1 on Friday afternoon.
UNF (2-6-1) ended the game with seven shots to ETSU's 14, while earning four shots on goal. Goalkeeper Rachael Howard came up big for the Lady Ospreys when she was challenged making four saves.
Junior Elizabeth Gowan put the Lady Ospreys on the board early scoring her third goal of the season in the fourth minute of play. Gowan's goal came after freshman Tiffany Wiggen dribbled into the 18-yard box pulling three ETSU defenders with her, opening up space for Gowan.
It did not take long for UNF to get on the board again, as Gowan picked up her second goal of the game just seven minutes later. The goal was scored off a Gowan corner kick that pinged off the crossbar and into the net.
"It was nice for us to get on the board early, especially against such a tough team," Captain Lisa Potoka said. "Our mission the whole season has been to prepare ourselves for conference play and I think that all that work showed tonight."
UNF came close to making it 3-0 in the 20th minute when sophomore Katelin Swift beat the ETSU defense, but was unable to find the shot. The Lady Ospreys continued to pressure the Bucs for the remainder of the first half, earning several near chances. ETSU managed to earn one of the goals back before the end of the half, scoring in the 43rd minute off a Kelly Brinkman header.
Gowan almost earned a hat-trick just minutes into the second half after collecting a lose ball from the ETSU keeper, but shot it just wide of the net. The Lady Ospreys continued to push forward, holding the majority of the possession earning four second half shots.
"I am very pleased with the teams overall performance," Head Coach Linda Hamilton said. "We exicuted our game plan and came away with a very important victory. The team knows that we are one of the best teams in the conference and it is our mission to let everyone else know that as well."
The victory snaps the Lady Ospreys' six game losing streak and ties them for first in the A-Sun. UNF returns to action on Sunday as they take on conference newcomer USC Upstate. Game time is set for 2 p.m.
