Acuna's Late Goal Surges Ospreys to First Win of Season at FAU

Tuesday, September 20

Boca Raton, Fla.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

FAU

Photo by: Sam Rosenbloom

Acuna's Late Goal Surges Ospreys to First Win of Season at FAU

9/20/2022 9:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

First Road Win Against FAU in Program History

BOCA RATON, Fla. - A 0-0 stalemate through the first 70 minutes turned into North Florida men's soccer (1-6) earning its first win of the year against Florida Atlantic (1-4-2) on Tuesday evening. It was also UNF's first win against FAU since 2019, as well as UNF's first program victory against the Owls in Boca Raton, Fla.

The Ospreys ignited that spark off the bench in Tuesday's non-conference battle, as a cross from Michael Carrero set up a score off the head of Joaquin Acuna in the 74th minute. Both players combined for 50 minutes played total in the game and Carrero made the most of his debut appearance in the Ospreys' 1-0 win.

GOALS

74' | Joaquin Acuna (Michael Carrero) - UNF

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game started with great defense on both sides, as no shots on goal were recorded through the first 48 minutes of the game.
Alex Barnett had the only shot taken for the Ospreys in the first half in the eighth minute.
The defense was lighting it up in the first half, only allowing two shots total and none on goal.
Ale Rodriguez Lopez recorded the first shot on goal of the game off a free kick outside the box, but it rolled safely to the keeper.
Nino Smith came off the bench to get a shot off in the 50th minute, but it hit the right side of the woodwork.
Transfer Micah Gun recorded his first save as an Osprey in the 56th minute while preventing a shot on goal to the bottom right corner.
UNF finally drew first blood with a cross from Carrero hitting Acuna for a header into the back of the net in the 74th minute.
In the 81st minute, Bendeguz Burka had a chance to extend the lead, but UNF's third shot on goal of the game was saved.
FAU's final chance to equalize took place with a shot in the 89th minute, but it was off the mark to secure the Osprey's first victory of the season.

RECORDS

North Florida | 1-6
FAU | 1-4-2

QUICK KICKS

UNF beat FAU for the first time at Boca Raton in program history.
Acuna, who was the leading scorer from last year, breaks the scoring drought for UNF with his first goal of the year.
It was the first score by the Ospreys since playing at UCF with Angus Taylor's goal on Aug. 29.
Carrero recorded UNF's first assist of the year in his debut collegiate appearance.
The Ospreys started a new goalkeeper for the first time this season, as Gun was in front of the net against the Owls.
Dean Walker made his first start since playing all 90 minutes in last season's bout against FAU.
Preseason All-ASUN defender LJ Estes and fifth-year goalkeeper Padraic Gilley did not play for the first time this season.

FROM THE MOUTH OF MARINATOS

"It was a total team win tonight. We played a lot of guys and used a lot of subs to help us get it done. Our guys battled and played for each other and bought into what we asked them to do. We were fortunate to come away with a 1-0 win."
-- head coach Derek Marinatos