Oct. 14, 2008

Weekend Preview with Coach Dooley
Sun Belt Conference Weekly Release

BOCA RATON, FL - Florida Atlantic University's women's soccer team returns home to play two weekend matches. The Owls will play Troy University (6-7-2, 1-5 Sun Belt Conference) on Friday, October 17 at 7 p.m. and the University of South Alabama (4-8-2, 2-2-2 SBC) on Sunday, October 19 at noon at FAU Field, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus.

Coming off a pair of SBC victories on the road, FAU (3-8-1, 2-3-1 SBC) moved into sixth place among 11 teams in the SBC standings. The top eight teams qualify for the leagues postseason tournament.

"You can't look past anyone," said Brian Dooley, FAU's women's soccer head coach, about facing last-place Troy on Friday. "These are games that could help us secure a spot in the conference tournament if we should be fortunate enough to come out on top."

Forward Ashley Mannarino scored game-winning goals against both the University of Louisiana-Monroe and the University of Louisiana-Lafayette last weekend to lift FAU up five spots in league standings. Mannarino's goals were essential, as both ended up being the deciding factor in a 4-3 comeback win over ULM and a 2-1 victory over ULL. Mannarino has consistently been a dangerous threat to opposing defenses, leading FAU in points (6), shots (21), and shots on goal (10), this season.

Prior to Sunday's match with South Alabama, FAU seniors Natalie D'Oria, Jessica Badders, Janeke Simpkins, Brittany Comer and Jannica Tjeder will be honored and recognized.

"The senior weekend is a great thing for us," said Dooley. "It is time to honor our senior players. This group especially has provided great leadership, and that has inspired the rest of the team and has got us through a challenging time this year."