W

ith defense being a main benefactor for the majority of the Florida Atlantic and South Carolina men’s soccer game, it was not until the 69th minute that an Owls mistake allowed Gamecocks senior midfielder Danny Deakin to score the lone goal of the game.

Deakin took a cross pass from sophomore forward Bjorn Gudjonsson and placed it into the left corner of the goal. It was the senior’s only shot on goal during the game.

The Owls (1-3-1) spent much of the first half in their own end of the field and the Gamecocks took advantage, outshooting FAU 7-2.

In the second half though, the Owls started to apply the pressure to the Gamecocks and doubled their shot total from the first half.

“Part of the game plan was to hold the ball, establish possession, which I think we did, even though it was non threatening … make them come out of their shell,” FAU head coach Kos Donev said.

Gamecocks junior defender Christoffer Wallander Ianev recorded a yellow card in the beginning of the second half, but the Owls were unable to take advantage of their free kick opportunity.

FAU senior goalie Phillip Hitpass saved six shots in the match.

The Owls will next play on Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 7 p.m. against Florida Gulf Coast University.

Matthew Cutler is a contributing writer with the University Press. For information regarding this or other stories, email [email protected] or tweet him at @mcutler2323.