Aug. 31, 2007

Box Score

SAN DIEGO, CA - Susanna Lehtinen became the all-time points leader in Florida Atlantic University women's soccer history, but it wasn't enough as UC-Riverside scored three goals in a span of 1:55 late in the second half to take the season opener, 3-2, on Friday in San Diego, CA.

Needing just one point to tie the school record entering the season, Lehtinen wasted little time. She scored from 22-yards out from the left side, booming a shot past UC-Riverside goalkeeper Brittany Goetz. With the goal, the senior forward has 18 in her career to go with a program-best 29 assists for 65 points.

Alicia Tirelli scored to give FAU a 2-0 edge in the 29th minute, drilling a shot from the right side past the keeper. Jannica Tjeder, making her Owl debut after transferring from Notre Dame, picked up the lone assist.

The Owls went into halftime with the 2-0 margin and out shot the Highlanders 7-5. Starting goalkeeper Jessica Badders made two stops in the first 45 minutes, while Goetz stopped three.

In the second half, UC-Riverside cut the lead in half in the 85th minute as Natal Ducatenzeiler scored unassisted from 25-yards out. Just 28 seconds later, the game was tied on Pat Brady's first goal of the season, as a Letty Villalpando shot created a rebound opportunity.

The Highlanders completed the late comeback with a goal in the 86th minute, as Candis Novis scored the game-winner from 24-yards out. UC-Riverside out-shot Florida Atlantic 10-5 in the match's second-half.

Janelle Blake, Anhnhi Tran, Gillian Baggott, Sarah Wareham and Tjeder made their FAU debuts in the contest.

Lehtinen led the Owls with five shot attempts. Jeonti and Novis led the way for the Highlanders with three apiece. Goetz finished with six saves, while Badders knocked aside five.

The Owls (0-1-0) will turn their attention to host San Diego State for a 5 p.m. kickoff on Sunday. The game can be followed at FAUsports.com via GameTracker.