BOCA RATON, Fla. – Three different goal scorers – two with their first goals in their first match in an Owl uniform – pushed Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer past Oakland in the season opener for both teams Thursday night, 3-0 inside FAU Stadium.
The Beginning
Midway through the first half, with each team looking for the year’s first score, it was a true freshman that opened it up. Seconds after entering into the match in her collegiate debut, Kaylin Johnston rocketed in a goal to give FAU a 1-0 lead in the 25th minute.
The Turning Point / The Finish:
Still up by that slim margin, the Owls poured in two more in the span of 5 1/2 minutes. Molly Setsma doubled the edge in the 79th, and Bri Austin – like Johnston, in her first FAU match – made it 3-0 in the 84th. The Owls’ defense was not tested much, with just a shot in each half by the Golden Grizzlies.
Notables:
- Austin also assisted on Johnston’s goal, and took the most shots on the night for the squad with five
- Two assists were credited on the middle score, to Fabiola Menendez and Mia Sennes
- The final tally also included an assist off a throw-in by Hunter Koziara
- Goalkeeper Amit Cohen needed just one save in the win. She, Hailey Landrus, Amanda Martin and Jodi Smith played the full 90′
- Seven Owls made their FAU debut: Smith, Austin, Johnston, Menendez, Heather Squitieri, Erin McRae and Lauren Holland
Quotable:
“I thought we did a lot of good things for it being the first game out of the gate,” said head coach Patrick Baker. “Kaylin (Johnston) had just come on, freshman, picks a nice moment to pick up a ball top of the box and place it side-netting, far post. Gave us a huge lift going into halftime. Second half, I thought we started brightly. It was warm, so we used numbers in the first half, needless to say. Then Molly (Setsma) … great to have her get the second goal, and then truly the insurance goal late from Bri (Austin).”
What’s Next:
In three days, FAU travels to take on Miami in a Sunday evening affair, starting at 6 p.m. in Coral Gables.
