JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The North Florida Women's Soccer team was defeated by FAU 1-0 in their home opener Sunday afternoon at Hodges Stadium.
 
The Ospreys (1-1-0) fought hard and made several good offensive runs, but couldn't manage to find the equalizer after giving up the only goal of the match in the 12^th minute.
 
"Sunday afternoon games in the heat are always a grind. I thought we fought hard against a very good FAU team," said head coach Robin Confer. "They have some special players and put us under a lot of pressure. Our defense worked hard and made some key plays to keep us in the game. We kept fighting and created some chances, but we still need to be more clinical in the final third."
 
The Owls (2-0-0) scored when Erica Burt delivered a long cross from the left side to find Asta Arnadottir in a one-on-one situation with the keeper and she was able to find the left side of the net.
 
The Ospreys battled attempting the equalizer later in the first half. Sophomore Hanna Parado delivered a strike from the top of the box in the 25^th minute, but the FAU keeper was able to punch it over the crossbar.
 
In the second half, the Ospreys had two chances to tie the match, junior Kayla Aritt made a good run to get one-on-one with the keeper on the left side, but the keeper was able to make the grab. The second chance came with just over 10 minutes remaining, as sophomore Sarah Wasser fielded the ball with the keeper out of position, but the shot was deflected off of the FAU defender.
 
The Osprey defense played well in the second half. Goalkeepers Susie Ford and Victoria Ekeli combined for nine saves.
 
North Florida is back in action Friday when they face Presbyterian at 5 p.m.
 
For the latest news and updates on the UNF Women's Soccer Team, follow @OspreyWSOC on Twitter.