FGCU Men’s Soccer Ends Losing Streak with 1-0 Shutout Victory Over North Florida
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – the FGCU men’s soccer team halted a three-match winless run and secured their third shutout of the season with a 1-0 victory over North Florida on Saturday night. The win marked FGCU’s first against the Ospreys since a 2-1 decision on Sept. 30, 2023, snapping a streak of three consecutive matches without a win against their ASun Graphite Division rival.
FGCU (5-6-4) entered the match seeking a turnaround after a challenging stretch following an 8-5-4 season in 2022. North Florida (10-4, 3-1) had been riding a nine-match winning streak before Saturday’s contest.
The game remained scoreless through the first half, with both teams struggling to generate notable offensive pressure. FGCU goalkeeper Oliver Weng proved crucial, recording three saves in the opening 45 minutes. North Florida held a 5-3 shot advantage, including a 3-0 edge in shots on goal, while FGCU earned three corner kicks to North florida’s two.
The decisive moment arrived in the 88th minute when FGCU’s martinez Romo received a pass from Jai Sahni and fired a right-footed shot into the top right corner of the net. The goal, Martinez‘s fifth of the season – tying him with Caio Oliveira for the team lead – secured the victory for the Eagles. Sahni earned his first assist of the season on the play.
FGCU finished the match with a 10-9 shot advantage, despite North Florida maintaining a 3-1 lead in shots on goal. The Ospreys ended with six corner kicks to FGCU’s five, and the teams combined for 21 fouls, with FGCU receiving four yellow cards. Weng finished with three saves, improving his record to 4-4-2 with a 1.39 goals-against-average.
FGCU will return to action on Oct. 25, traveling to DeLand, Fla., to face Stetson (4-7-1, 1-2-1) in another asun Graphite Division matchup. Stetson previously defeated FGCU 3-1 on Sept. 27. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
