BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Florida Atlantic University men’s soccer team (5-6-1, 1-4-0) pulled off their biggest upset of the season against Conference USA opponent Marshall (10-2-1, 3-1-1) Saturday night. FAU’s leading goal scorer Ivan Mykhailenko converted on a penalty kick try in overtime to help the Owls’ gather their second win over a ranked opponent this season in a 1-0 decision.
How It Was Won
Both teams were scoreless in both halves with FAU outshooting Marshall 8-4 in the first and 4-3 in the second. During regulation, goalkeeper Hagay Jalon came up with three crucial saves and the backfield delivered key stops throughout the contest. With the game being sent into overtime, Marshall fouled inside the box at the 93rd minute to set up for a penalty kick try. Mykhailenko’s shot slid past the right side of the Herd’s goalkeeper, who came off C-USA Defensive Player of the Week honors, to end the night with a sweet victory, 1-0.
Of Note
- With the win, the Owls get their third shutout of the season. This marks FAU’s most shutouts in a season since 2007
- The Owls are now 5-3-1 at home, which marks their best home record since 2013
- Mykhailenko’s game-winning penalty kick marks his seventh goal of the season. His third game winner of the season puts him at No. 7 all-time in game-winning goals
- Jalon came up with his second blank sheet of the year, both against opponents that were ranked No. 17 or higher. His four shutouts mark him at No. 6 of all-time in career shutouts at FAU. The redshirt senior gathered three crucial saves in his third win of the season
- Marshall came into the match outscoring their opponents in goals 37-12 and outshooting them 194-130. The Owls did not let those stats stop them as they outshot the Herd 13-7 to hand Marshall their first shutout loss of the season
- The Herd’s Milo Yosef, who had three shots on the night, came into Saturday’s matchup off garnering College Soccer News National Player of the Week honors, but the Owls backfield cooled him off tonight
- Mykhailenko took a game-leading four shots with Alex Alexis, Alonso Coello Camarero and Joe O’Sullivan following with two apiece
- Five different Owls played in all minutes tonight, including Jalon, Coello and the impressive backfield unit of Daniel Skistad, Graeme Pratt and Adam O’Sullivan
Up Next
The Owls will hit the road to face North Florida on Wednesday for their last midweek matchup of the season. First touch is set for 6 p.m. with live video and live stats available for all fans to keep up with the action.
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