Men's Soccer Draws in Battle Against St. Thomas

Monday, September 4

Jacksonville, Fla.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

1-1-2, 0-0-0

St. Thomas

0-3-1, 0-0-0

Team	1	2	Final F
St. Thomas	1	1	2
North Florida	1	1	2

9/4/2023 11:00:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Bendeguz Burka and Zach Board Both Tally Goals in Draw

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - North Florida men's soccer (1-1-2) held two leads throughout the match, but was forced to a 2-2 draw against St. Thomas (0-3-1) Monday evening.

Jacob Harris drew a penalty in the 38th minute, which set up the penalty kick score from Bendeguz Burka. The Tommies scored an equalizer just moments before the end of the first half off an own-goal deflection.

The Ospreys responded late in the second half off a throw-in that Zach Board was about to put in the goal. With 10 minutes remaining, St. Thomas put scored the equalizer to finish the match with a draw.

GOALS

38' | Bendeguz Burka (Unassisted) - UNF
41' | Own Goal - UST
71' | Zach Board (Angus Taylor & Joaquin Acuna) - UNF
80' | Faris Colic (Isaac Eckroth & Keegan James) - UST

HOW IT HAPPENED

Felix Frenz ripped a canon off the post in the 11th minute, as UNF continued heavy early pressure.
Joaquin Acuna put up UNF's next best chance, striking a shot that was blocked and sent high of the crossbar.
St. Thomas finally had its first shot on goal in the 32nd minute, a roller saved by Chema Preciado.
Herbie Steigelman sent a ball into the box that Harris contended, as he was fouled to establish the PK.
Bendeguz Burka buried the penalty kick to take the 1-0 lead.
St. Thomas got the equalizer minutes later after a third shot in a series of chances caromed off of UNF and into the net.
The first 20 minutes of the second half were scoreless, as UNF's best chance was a shot in goal from Acuna that was called back due to offsides.
A throw-in coming in the 71st minute ended up favorable for UNF with Acuna lofting one in the box that Angus Taylor headed off the crossbar, followed by Zach Board gathering and sending it in off the rebound.
A nice connecting pass was followed by a second touch and a goal by St. Thomas minutes later, tying the game and forcing the 2-2 draw.

RECORDS

North Florida | 1-1-2
St. Thomas | 0-3-1

QUICK KICKS

There were only 14 total shots attempted between both teams with UNF holding the advantage with eight.
Each team had two shots on goal with UNF being the only team with a save with one total.
UNF also had better chances on the corner kicks, have a 9-2 edge on those opportunities.
Acuna was the on player on the pitch with multiple shots recording three, as well as an assist.
Six of the 11 starters played all 90 minutes on Monday with only four substitutions made for the Ospreys.
Harris made his collegiate debut as a freshman, as he made an impact immediately forcing the penalty.

FROM THE MOUTH OF MARINATOS

Here's what Coach Marinatos had to say after our 2-2 draw against St. Thomas.#OspreyCulture pic.twitter.com/FAshjs7UUd
— UNF Men's Soccer (@OspreyMSOC) September 5, 2023