Aug. 28, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - Susanna Lehtinen and the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team open the season this weekend at San Diego State, who hosts a weekend-long tournament to start 2007 season.

Florida Atlantic opens the season against UC-Riverside on August 31 before squaring off against host San Diego State on September 2.

Lehtinen, who recently played for Finland's national team against the USA National team at the Home Depot Center in Carson, CA, enters the season needing just one point to tie FAU's career scoring record. The Espoo, Finland native was named Preseason All-Sun Belt this season, along with teammate Janeke Simpkins. It's the second such honor in as many seasons for the two.

UC-Riverside finished 2006 with a 10-7-1 mark and was led on offense by senior Jenna Leonti (5g, 4a) and sophomore Heidi Garrett (4g, 5a). The Highlanders averaged 1.40 goals per game in 2006, while allowing opponents to score 1.02.

The Owls will face the Aztecs of San Diego State on Sunday at the SDSU Sports Deck. The Aztecs finished 2006 with a 6-11-3 record, and averaged 1.06 goals per game while allowing opponents to score 1.40.

SDSU lost leading scorers Jen Mello (8g, 3a) and Erika Sutton (3g, 6a) as well as Cat Burson (1.40 GAA, 95 saves), the team's #1 keeper from a season ago. The team's third-leading scorer from a year ago, Heather Vandevanter (3g, 3a), is the team's top returner. SDSU used three different players in net during a 2-1 exhibition loss to Cal State Northridge, including freshman Aubree Southwick, junior Christi Yount and senior Melissa Deckers, none of whom saw the net in 2006.

FAU's kickoff with UC-Riverside is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. while Sunday's match with SDSU is scheduled for 5 p.m. Both matches can be followed on Gametracker on FAUsports.com.