Ospreys Win Final Exhibition Match

Wednesday, August 26

Jacksonville, Fla.

6 p.m.

University of North Florida

Middle Georgia (exhibition)

UNF's men's soccer team earned a 2-0 victory over Middle Georgia in its final exhibition match of the season.

8/26/2009 9:45:57 PM | Men's Soccer

UNF’s men’s soccer team played its final exhibition match of the preseason and shutout Middle Georgia, 2-0.

By: UNF Athletics

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – University of North Florida's men's soccer team played its final exhibition match of the preseason on Wednesday night. The Ospreys scored two goals in the first half and cruised to a 2-0 victory over Middle Georgia at the UNF Soccer Practice Field.

Freshman Calvin Lowe scored the match-winning goal in the 24th minute of the match. Lowe was also involved in the second goal of the match. The freshman took a shot that was saved, but a Warrior defender coming in to help the goalie knocked the ball into his own goal for the Ospreys' second goal of the match.

“I thought we played really well in the first half, but unfortunately we had to stop because of lightening,” head coach Ray Bunch remarked. “I thought it messed up our rhythm a bit and [Middle Georgia] was able to pick up a bit. It was a good way to finish the exhibition season.

“The preseason was good,” Bunch continued. “Physically, I believe we are ahead of where I though we would be at this point. As far as chemistry is concerned, I think we are right were I thought we would be. We now have nine days before our next match to prepare and get in tune.”

UNF dominated the match from the initial whistle. The Ospreys out shot the Warriors 25-to-9 and took 12 shots on goal compared to just three by Middle Georgia. The hosts attempted eight corner kicks compared to just two by the visitors.

The Ospreys were led by Lowe who attempted six shots including five shots on goal. Adam O'Neill and Shareef Rajkumar each attempted five shots each with O'Neill taking three shots on goal. David Pollard and Steven Lowenthal each had multiple shots, with Pollard recording three shots and Lowenthal adding a pair.

The UNF defense limited the Middle Georgia offensive attack to just three shots on goal with Jullian Beau and Andrew Calise combining for the shutout. Beau started the match and recorded one save, while Calise had a pair of saves of his own.

The regular season for UNF begins in Orlando as the Ospreys take part in the UCF Fall Classic against host UCF on Friday, Sept. 4, and Iona on Sunday, Sept. 6. The first regular season home match for North Florida is slated for Friday, Sept. 18, against Georgia State at 5 p.m. at Hodges Stadium.