Aug. 31, 2007

Box Score

BOCA RATON, FL (August 31, 2007) - The watchword for the Florida Atlantic University men's soccer team coming out of their season opener is "discipline", after a goal in the 54th minute by the University of Missouri-Kansas City turned the tide in a 1-0 final at FAU Field on Friday night.

The Owls battled the Kangaroos closely throughout the first half, controlling much of the action. A brief lapse early in the second half, however, created an uphill struggle that FAU could not overcome.

"The goal was on a rebound from a free kick, and our players didn't react to it," said Head Coach Kos Donev. "The red card on Shire Standnes kind of destroyed us a bit, because it came right after the goal. People got a little frustrated."

The loss of Standnes crippled FAU for much of the second half, as the Owls were forced to play not only a man down - but without their leading scorer from 2006.

An instrumental part of the offense in the first half, the junior forward contributed two shots. FAU outshot the Kangaroos 11-8 for the game.

UMKC struck for the game's only goal at 53:09, as Chris Markey redirected a rebound off a free kick by John Bayron Sosa. Florida Atlantic goalkeeper Phillip Lamarre made three saves on the night.

"We need to have a better understanding of our team concept in the attacking part of the field," said Donev. "We have to play a little quicker into the midfield and create more chances.

"We're quite disappointed with the result, being our first home game, but there are many more to come. We need to be more disciplined in certain aspects of the game."

Florida Atlantic (0-1-0) now prepares for a Sunday showdown with Bowling Green, starting at noon at FAU Field. Real-time updates are available online via GameTracker at fausports.com.