Oct. 21, 2008

Sun Belt Conference Release

BOCA RATON, FL - The Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team can clinch a spot in the eight-team Sun Belt Conference (SBC) postseason tournament with a victory this weekend in Arkansas.

The Owls will play Arkansas State University in Jonesboro on Friday, October 24 at 4:30 p.m. ET. They also will play the University of Arkansas-Little Rock on Sunday, October 26 at 1 p.m ET. A victory in either match assures FAU a berth into the league's postseason tournament, hosted by the University of North Texas from Wednesday, November 5 through Sunday, November 9.

A four-match winning-streak has allowed FAU (5-8-1, 4-3-1 SBC) to overtake five teams in the league standings and turnaround a season that had began with just one victory in their first 10 outings. The Owls are now presented with an opportunity to even its season record at 8-8-1 if the team wins its final three matches.

"We had some moments during the year that made us think we could get the results," said Brian Dooley, FAU women's soccer head coach. "Once we got the first win of the winning streak, everything has seemed to get going. The training has been much more productive, and the excitement has returned as everyone now looks forward to the remaining portion of the schedule."

Both Arkansas State (4-10-1, 1-6-1 SBC) and UALR (6-10-1, 2-6 SBC) are in the midst of extended-losing streaks. ASU has dropped three-straight and have not scored since beating Middle Tennessee State University 2-1 in Jonesboro on October 10. UALR has gone winless in five-straight after beginning the season 6-5-1.

"Coming from the position we were in early in the season, we can take no team lightly," said Dooley. "Both teams have shown some nice results, proving they can compete. If either ASU or UALR win two this weekend, they are in the postseason mix, too."

TEAM NOTES: Late last season Florida Atlantic reeled off four-straight wins versus the Sun Belt as well... The Owls have scored 12 goals in its last four matches- all wins... FAU had scored just four times in their first 10... Junior forward Ashley Mannarino's third game-winner allowed FAU to sweep its weekend homestand against Troy and South Alabama... Mannarino not only scored the decider Sunday against USA but added an assist in the later stages... Mannarino fired off 10 shots over the weekend, she is FAU's leader in shots (31), points (9) and shots on goal (13) this season... Sophomore forward Laura Hyvonen scored three times last weekend... Hyvonen has been essential in FAU's recent success; since being inserted into the starting lineup seven games ago Hyvonen has netted four goals and has gotten off 16 shots... In FAU's eight conference matches senior Jannica Tjeder has scored three goals and both Natalie D'Oria and Gabriela DeVries have distributed three assists.

Nick Mirkovich (FAU Media Relations)