Oct. 9, 2007

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL - With renewed vigor and confidence, the Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team battled strong throughout in a one-all final against the University of South Florida on Tuesday night.

Leading the charge for FAU was senior defender David Acosta, who registered his first point of the season with a precise assist on the game's opening goal by Gianni Piccoletti in the 17th minute. Piccoletti notched his second goal of the season by blasting a header past USF goalkeeper Diego Restrepo.

After withstanding most of the Bulls' aggressive attack throughout the first half, the Owls finally relented just over a minute before halftime. Yohance Marshall notched his first goal of 2007 for South Florida (7-2-2), redirecting a free kick by teammate Bernardo Anor.

Both teams generated extraordinary chances throughout the second half and both overtimes, but were unable to capitalize in a spirited contest between the in-state rivals.

Sophomore defender Trey McEntee played another solid game on the back line for FAU, producing three shots to lead his club on the night. Junior forward Shire Standnes was stymied despite a pair of well-conceived shots in the latter portions of the match. Guilherme Ribeiro added solid play to a much-improved team defensive effort.

Florida Atlantic (4-6-1) now takes to the road for an Atlantic Soccer Conference match-up with Longwood this Saturday night, starting at 7 p.m.