Florida Gulf Coast University Athletics saw the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles lose their first ASUN game of the season Sunday, falling 2-1 to North Florida in Jacksonville, Fla. The defeat ended Florida Gulf Coast’s 13-game unbeaten streak and dropped the Eagles to 9-2-5 overall and 6-1-2 in league play. Florida Gulf Coast remained atop the ASUN standings with 20 points, one ahead of North Florida.
North Florida took a 1-0 lead in the 12th minute when Skya Horth scored, with Morgan Guillemette recording the assist. Florida Gulf Coast created its best first-half opportunity five minutes later, but Megan Morgan’s shot was stopped before Tessa Brooks saw her rebound attempt saved. Madara Bome made a save for the Eagles in the 24th minute to keep the deficit at one goal.
North Florida doubled its advantage early in the second half when Paige McSwigan scored on a free kick. Taylor Latini answered in the 75th minute, collecting a loose ball in the box and scoring her fourth goal of the season. The goal cut North Florida’s lead to 2-1 and gave the Eagles a chance to equalize late.
Florida Gulf Coast continued to pressure North Florida after Latini’s goal. The Eagles earned five corner kicks during a 3:36 span that continued into the 82nd minute, but they did not score again. North Florida held on to improve to 9-4-4 overall and 6-2-1 in ASUN play.
The Eagles controlled the overall shot count, outshooting North Florida 17-6. Florida Gulf Coast also held a 12-3 advantage in shots on target, while North Florida converted two of its three shots on frame. The result moved North Florida within one point of Florida Gulf Coast in the ASUN standings with one regular-season game remaining for each team.
Florida Gulf Coast can clinch the ASUN regular-season championship with a victory at Stetson on Oct. 31. The Eagles’ regular-season finale is scheduled for 4 p.m. in DeLand, Fla. If Florida Gulf Coast loses, it would need both Bellarmine and North Florida to go without a victory to claim the title.
FSB Take
Florida Gulf Coast still controls its ASUN championship path despite losing its first league game. The Eagles created the larger volume of chances and finished with a 12-3 edge in shots on target, but North Florida’s two goals were enough to end the unbeaten run. A win at Stetson would settle the regular-season title without requiring help from Bellarmine or North Florida.
Source: Original report