Men's Soccer Completes Road Comeback Against Georgia Southern

Friday, September 8

Statesboro, Ga.

7 p.m.

University of North Florida

2-1-2, 0-0-0

Georgia Southern

1-2-1, 0-0-0

North Florida

Georgia Southern

Men's Soccer Completes Road Comeback Against Georgia Southern

9/8/2023 9:30:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Acuna Scores Game-Winning Goal in 79 Minute

STATESBORO, Ga. - A penalty kick goal from Bendeguz Burka to close the first half and a game-winner from Joaquin Acuna in the waning minutes lifted North Florida men's soccer (2-1-2) to a 2-1 comeback victory on the road against Georgia Southern (1-2-1) on Friday evening.

After giving up a tally to the Eagles in the 25th minute, UNF kept attacking strong in the front third and forced a penalty kick for the equalizer before the half. With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, Nick Kishchenko's pass to Acuna set up the goal that put the Ospreys in front for their second win of the season.

GOALS

25' | Manuel Prieto (Unassisted) - GASO
36' | Bendeguz Burka (Penalty kick) - UNF
79' | Joaquin Acuna (Nick Kishchenko) - UNF

HOW IT HAPPENED

The game was back and forth defensively with Burka holding the only shot recorded through the first part of the first half.
Georgia Southern drew first blood in the 25th minute with a goal scored to the bottom left of the net to take the 1-0 lead.
UNF has four players on the roster with multiple goals scored through five games.
With the win against Georgia Southern, UNF also broke a six-match losing streak against the Eagles that dated back to 2015.
Right before the first half ended, an Eagles' handball in the box gave UNF the opportunity to equalize and Burka nailed the penalty kick to make it 1-1 in the 36th minute.
UNF had a quick start to the second half with Acuna's shot being blocked just 35 seconds into play.
Ethan Ash snuck behind the Eagles' defense with a chance to tap in a shot, but couldn't connect for it to stay even at one.
Angus Taylor had another chance for the Ospreys in the 66th minute, but it goes off the post and out of bounds.
With 10 minutes remaining, Kishchenko puts a free kick over the top to Acuna as he squeezed it past the keeper for a goal to give the Ospreys a 2-1 lead.
Chema Preciado made his presence known in the final minutes with two clutch saves, including a one-hander, to secure the comeback victory on the road.

RECORDS

North Florida | 2-1-2
Georgia Southern | 1-2-1

QUICK KICKS

First win against Georgia Southern since the 2015 season, as well as first win against the Eagles on the road since 2012.
Acuna now increased his season totals to two goals and two assists, while also leading in shots with 13 total.
Burka scored his second goal of the season, as both come from penalty kick opportunities.
Both Acuna and Burka join Luc Granitur and Zach Board was multiple goal scorers this season through five games.
Kishchenko added his third assist on the year to overtake the team lead as a defender.
Jacob Harris started the first game as an Osprey, while also appearing in his second.
Fellow sophomores Rio Onwumere and Alex Barnett also made their first starts of the year.
Granitur did not compete in this match due to the red card received against St. Thomas.

FROM THE MOUTH OF MARINATOS

"Proud of the guys for a tough-fought game against a physical, well-organized Georgia Southern team. All the credit to the team for coming back after conceding a goal. Time to recover and prepare for FAU on Monday night at home."
-- head coach Derek Marinatos