STATESBORO, Ga. — The Florida Gulf Coast University women’s soccer team dropped a 2-0 decision to Georgia Southern on Sunday afternoon at Bo Pitts Field.
The setback marks FGCU’s first-ever loss to Georgia Southern, bringing the all-time series record between the two programs to 2-1 in favor of FGCU. With the result, Georgia Southern (2-0-0) picked up its second consecutive win against an Atlantic Sun Conference opponent, following a 2-1 comeback victory over North Florida on Aug. 12.
Despite outshooting the host Eagles 17-15 overall and generating key chances throughout both halves, FGCU (0-1-1) was unable to solve Georgia Southern goalkeeper Quinn Wilson, who made five saves to earn her second consecutive clean sheet and victory.
Georgia Southern (2-0-0) grabbed the lead in the 10th minute (09:41). Anna Braziunas (No. 20) uncorked a long-distance strike that was blocked in the box. Addison Comer (No. 29) gathered the loose rebound, passed back out to Braziunas, and Braziunas finished into the right side of the net for her first goal of the season.
FGCU aggressively chased an equalizer in the opening frame, outputting a 10-7 advantage in first-half shot attempts. The Eagles generated seven more shots in the second half to finish with 17 total attempts and five shots on goal, but could not convert on their four corner kick opportunities.
Sarah Greiner led FGCU with three total shots, including a shot attempt in the 56th minute (55:32) aimed at the top of the net that Wilson managed to save. In the closing minutes (88:18), Aleah Douglass put a low attempt on frame toward the bottom center, but Wilson turned it away once more. Ryleigh Acosta, Keira Morgan, and Lexie Bennett also recorded shots on goal during the contest.
Georgia Southern doubled its advantage in the 63rd minute (62:59). Kaitlin Cook (No. 5) initiated the play with a throw-in to Maya Zmistowski (No. 7), who delivered a cross into the box for Meredith Pugh (No. 3) to head inside the left post for her first goal of the year.
Georgia Southern finished with eight second-half shots (15 total, 7 on goal) and held a 7-4 edge in corner kicks. FGCU goalkeeper Madara Bome recorded five saves on seven shots on goal in the complete-game performance.
Up next, FGCU continues its road trip in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, taking on Southern University on Thursday, Aug. 20 at 7 p.m. ET
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