@OspreyWSOC Takes Down Kennesaw State in Third Straight Win Jacksonville, Fla. – An 80
th minute goal by freshman
Hanna Parado proved to be the difference as the North Florida women's soccer team defeated the Owls of Kennesaw State, 1-0 Sunday afternoon at Hodges Stadium.
This marks the third straight win for the Ospreys (5-9-1, 3-1-1 A-Sun), who have officially clinched a spot in the A-Sun tournament and are 4-0-1 in their last five matches.
"We learned from a tough first half and we made it a 45 minute game. I told them that if we win some battles here and there, and get a little cleaner in the final third, we could create something," said head coach
Robin Confer. "Kennesaw State is a great team. We knew coming in that they would be difficult. To get a result against them is huge for this group."
Parado's goal marked the end of the stalemate. She drilled the ball from a junior
Amanda Fischler cross, just outside of the box on the right side, and found the left side of the net for the eventual game-winner.
The Osprey defense held strong for their third shutout of the season, even following senior goalkeeper
Megan Dorsey going down with a game-ending injury in the second minute of play. Sophomore
Victoria Ekeli earned her first career win minding the net for the Ospreys, totaling seven saves.
The Owls (5-9-1, 2-3-0 A-Sun) held the shot advantage by a margin of 23-7. The on-goal margin was 8-1 in favor of the Owls, with Parado's goal being the only shot on target for the Ospreys.
"They keep fighting. They've been fighting all year long and needed to continue to fight to get a result," added Confer. "When we come out on Tuesday it will be back to work, we are taking one game at a time, but I'm so proud of this team and the effort that they've had over the past three games."
North Florida hits the road next Friday for the first of their final two regular-season matches. They travel to DeLand, Fla. to face the Hatters of Stetson University. Kick is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
For more the latest news and updates on the UNF Women's Soccer team, follow @OspreyWSOC on Twitter.