DeLeon Scores; Defense Steps Up in UNF Win

Wednesday, October 30

Jacksonville, Fla.

6:00 p.m.

University of North Florida

5-6-2, 3-2-1

FAU

4-8-1, 1-4-0

Fla. Atlantic

North Florida

Men's soccer celebrated senior night before the game. Everyone gathered at the track for a picture.

10/30/2019 8:47:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

JACKSONVILLE – North Florida men's soccer defense kept FAU off the board, while Miguel DeLeon, Jr. scored his first goal of the season as the Osprey won 1-0 on Wednesday evening at Hodges Stadium.

GOALS
16' | Miguel DeLeon, Jr. (Robbie Soronellas)

HOW IT HAPPENED
- Early in the game, FAU took advantage of a miscommunication in the backfield and Ivan Mykhailenko tried to slipped a ball down low, but keeper Carlos Melendez picked up the save.
- North Florida applied the pressure early and it paid off. In the 16th minute, Robbie Soronellas dribbled up the left side of the field and crossed the ball to the middle. Miguel DeLeon then curled it into the lower right side of the net for the 1-0 lead.
- FAU had a second-half chance when Mykhailenko ricocheted off the cross bar and came back into play when Melendez picked up the rebound to end the threat.
- With less than six minute to play, Mykhailenko had a shot right on target into the lower left corner, but junior Zane Bubb slid over end kicked the ball off the line and out of play.
- In the second half, the Owls outshot North Florida, 10-1, but the Osprey defense denied each chance.

RECORDS
North Florida | 5-6-2
FAU | 4-7-1

QUICK KICKS
- It was DeLeon's first goal of the season, while Soronellas continues to lead the team in points as he now has seven points.
- For the game, FAU owned a 13-4 edge in shots, but only three made it on target with Melendez picking up a save each time.
- Four different Ospreys registered a shot, but the goal was the lone one on target.
- Prior to the match, North Florida recognized Jake Hawker, Taylor Martin, Sekani Mayers and Torian Went. Each one saw time in the game.

FROM THE MOUTH OF MARINATOS
"I'm pleased for the group. It was senior night and could be our last home game - never know what will happen in the conference tournament. I am pleased with the fact that we got a 1-0 result. The fight in the guys was great tonight and one of the things that was our point of emphasis was our starts. We have been starting a little slow in the first half and tonight was different. I thought we applied a lot of pressure early on and it led to the goal. Obviously after that we didn't create that much attacking, but I thought we did a good enough job not to concede which is what we've done all year." - head coach Derek Marinatos

On the goal and what they will take from this game for the tournament
"It was a relief to get the goal. I've been looking for it all season. I was glad to help the team get a win. This team is a really good team and have heart. It reflects on the coaches and the guys and it gives me more energy."

UP NEXT
North Florida heads to Charlotte to close out the regular season. Game is set for 7 p.m. on Saturday.