Ospreys Edged by Owls, 2-1

Wednesday, September 22

Boca Raton, Fla.

4 p.m.

University of North Florida

Florida Atlantic

9/22/2010 6:10:27 PM | Men's Soccer

By: UNF Athletics

Boxscore

BOCA RATON, Fla. – The University of North Florida men's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to Florida Atlantic on the road in Boca Raton, Fla. on Wednesday, Sept. 22. The Ospreys fell behind 1-0, but rallied to tie the score before halftime. An early second half goal by the Owls proved to be the difference as UNF dropped the one-goal match.

Freshman Ricky Lawrence recorded his second goal of the season in the match. After scoring the match-winning goal against Longwood on Saturday, Lawrence scored his second goal in as many matches. The goal was off of a corner kick by sophomore Calvin Lowe.

The assist was Lowe's first of the season and the second of his career. Lowe has eight career points, finishing the 2009 campaign with three goals and an assist for seven points.

Lawrence finished the match with a pair of shots, making his only shot on goal count. Fellow freshman Austin Doyle led the team with three shots, including a team-high two shots on goal. In addition to his helper, Lowe recorded a shot in the match.

The Owls had a decisive edge in shots and shots on goal, besting the Ospreys 17-to-6 in shots and 7-to-3 in shots on goal. However, North Florida goalkeeper Tyler Willets was once again solid between the posts. The true freshman surrendered only two goals, while recording five saves. In just five collegiate matches, Willets has amassed 19 saves.

In the first half, the Owls jumped out to an early lead. FAU's Benny Barshai scored his first goal of the season in the 16th minute to give the hosts a 1-0 advantage. Barshai took a cross from teammate Darnell King into the center and followed with the easy finish.

The Ospreys answered with a goal in the 30th minute. Freshman Ricky Lawrence netted his second goal of the season, tying the score at 1-1. Lawrence connected on a header off of a corner kick by sophomore Calvin Lowe.

FAU took the lead with a goal in the 49th minute of the match. Andre McCreath scored his first goal of the season to put the Owls ahead.

The goal in the second half proved to be the difference as the Ospreys failed to net the equalizer, dropping a 2-1 decision.

North Florida returns to action on Sunday, Oct. 3 with an Atlantic Sun Conference match against crosstown rival Jacksonville. The men's soccer portion of the SunTrust River City Rumble is slated for 7 p.m. at Hodges Stadium.