DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Florida Southern College women's soccer team ended its run in the Sunshine State Conference tournament with a 1-0 loss to No. 11 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in the SSC Semifinal Thursday night at ERAU Soccer Stadium.
The Mocs battled the entire 90 minutes with great opportunities that could not fall in the semifinal loss. The Eagles scored halfway through the first half and fended off the Moccasin second-half attack to respond to ERAU's earlier regular season loss to FSC.
Embry-Riddle opened the match with early shots that were blocked or high before a shot by
Anita Vera served as the first shot on goal but was saved by ERAU's Jokinen. In the 14
th minute, Embry-Riddle scored what would be the only goal of the game off a shot by Isabelle Navren that hit the post and in for the 1-0 lead.
Down by one early, FSC could not answer on offense in the first half despite a great defense back line for the Mocs to fend off an additional two shots. Out-shot in the first half six-to-two, Florida Southern went into the first half down 1-0 but still within reach with great defense.
Florida Southern switched roles with Embry-Riddle in the second half as FSC out shot the Eagles four to three, but it could not produce a goal in the semifinal loss.
Jasmin Adames had two shots on goal in the first 15 minutes of the second half, but Jokinen was locked in for the saves. FSC continued the pressure in the final minutes, mostly in the field's offensive half, but shots by Vera and
Rilee Hasegawa went wide for the conference tournament loss.
Moccasin keeper
Jenny Staten finished the game with three saves in a tight matchup for the 90-minute game. Embry-Riddle had three corners while not allowing FSC a chance from the corner the entire game. Jokinen finished with three saves as well for her shutout victory. Unable to upset the Eagles as a six-seed, ERAU will advance to the SSC Championship to face Florida Tech on Sunday.
Florida Southern saw many highlights in
Gerry Lucey's inaugural season with the Mocs. Monday's quarterfinal win over Nova Southeastern marked the first time since 2013 with a conference postseason victory. A captain and FSC staple in goal, Staten leaves a decorated history with the Mocs with program records in career shutouts and goals against average with numerous other top accolades throughout her career. FSC's win over ERAU in the regular season was the first win since 2014 over a ranked opponent and the highest-ranked win (No. 3 ERAU) against an opponent since 2013.
