The Florida Southern Moccasins used a strong second half showing to defeat Barry University 3-1 Saturday night at Barnett Field. The Moccasins outscored (3-0) and outshot (25-5) the Buccaneers in the final 45 minutes.
With the win the Moccasins improve their record to 5-3-1 and 2-1-1 in the Sunshine State Conference, while Barry falls to 4-5 and 1-2 in the SSC.
Barry took the upper hand to start the game, controlling the ball for most of the first 15 minutes and outshooting the Mocs 5-1, but the Moccasins defense held its ground. In the 21st minute Sarah Wolfie sent the ball down the middle of the field and after a scramble for the loose ball, Emma Karp came out with a shot in front of the goal to give the Buccaneers a 1-0 lead. The Moccasins had several opportunities but could not convert.
In the second half the Moccasins came out firing, taking nine shots in the first 11 minutes. The Mocs tied the game in the 57th minute when Jackie Metz sent the ball down the right flank to Kirra Rainbow who crossed it to Kara Moore in front of the net for a shot. Moore’s shot ricocheted off the left post and into the goal. Minutes later Hanna Jansson found Rainbow down the right flank. This time she dribbled the ball towards the goal line and sent a shot into the left corner of the goal to give the Mocs a 2-1 lead.
Florida Southern’s final goal came in the 86th minute when Kayla Wilhide passed to Moore, who crossed it to Emily Griffith in front of the net for her third goal of the season.
“The second half was the best style of play I have ever seen our team play since I’ve been here,†said head coach Ben Strawbridge. “We were really composed and organized and had fun.â€
It’s the second time this season that Moore and Rainbow tallied a goal and an assist in the same game.
The Moccasins finished the game with 37 shots, which is the third most shots in a game in Florida Southern history. It was the first time since October 4, 2006 against Warner that FSC had 35 or more shots in a game.
Barry’s goalie Melissa Toledo finished the game with 12 saves, while Martina Tangen Billing made three.
The Moccasins will return to Barnett Field Wednesday night to take on Flagler College. Game time is slated for 5 p.m.
