Florida Memorial (FL), representing Florida Memorial University, defeated New College of Florida 1-0 on Nov. 4 in Miami Gardens, Fla., to reach the SUN Conference Tournament semifinals for the first time in program history. Lumturie Berushi scored the match-winning goal in the 87th minute, with Rudo Marufu providing the assist. The victory moved Florida Memorial to 9-5-4 on the season.
Berushi breaks through late
Berushi’s goal was her fourth of the season and broke a scoreless match in the final minutes. Marufu assisted on the decisive play as Florida Memorial secured its first semifinal appearance in program history. The goal stood as the only scoring play of the match.
Florida Memorial’s defense protected the late lead behind goalkeeper Isabella Rueda. Rueda made six saves and allowed no goals, while New College of Florida finished with eight total shots, including two in the first half. The defensive effort kept the Banyans off the scoreboard until Berushi delivered the deciding goal.
Florida Memorial advances to semifinal
Florida Memorial will face No. 2 seed Southeastern University in the SUN Conference Tournament semifinals. The match is scheduled for Nov. 7 at 7 p.m. in Lakeland, Fla. The matchup follows Florida Memorial’s historic advancement to the tournament’s semifinal round.
FSB Take
Florida Memorial showed it could pair late-match finishing with a defense that held New College scoreless. Berushi’s fourth goal supplied the breakthrough, while Rueda’s six saves preserved the advancement. The result puts Florida Memorial into a first-time semifinal against No. 2 seed Southeastern University on Nov. 7.
Source: Original report