North Texas soccer moves into first place after 2-1 win over Florida Atlantic
North Texas (11-1-2, 6-0-1 C-USA) handed Florida Atlantic (9-7-1, 6-1-1 C-USA) its first loss in conference play with a 2-1 win on a rainy night at Guyer High School.
With the win, North Texas landed in first place in the Conference USA standings with just three games remaining in conference play.
“I loved how we were able to come out in the second half and take it to a really quality Florida Atlantic team,” head coach John Hedlund said. “We started off slow but gradually started to get into our game and apply the pressure to them during the second half.”
Florida Atlantic struck first in Friday night’s game when Mary O’ Hara knocked in a goal eight minutes into the game for the Owls.
However, North Texas wasn’t behind for long.
Just three minutes later, sophomore Logan Bruffett scored her first goal of the year for the Mean Green to tie the game up 1-1.
“Our whole team is never going to give up or lay down,” Bruffett said. “When they scored early, we were trying to put one back down their throat immediately. It was just our determination and will to win.”
The Mean Green controlled the ball most of the second half but couldn’t find a way to get the ball in the back of the net.
“Knowing that we were missing those opportunities was not a good feeling, but we try not to be negative during the whole time,” Torres said. “We just tried to keep fighting and get that second goal.”
During the minute 69, senior Taylor Torres kicked one past the Florida Atlantic goalkeeper to give North Texas their first lead of the game. The goal was Torres’ seventh of the year, which leads the team.
“Taylor is a huge part of our offense,” Hedlund said. “She hustles, she works and her soccer IQ is through the roof. If she’s not scoring, then she’s setting something up for us. When you get Taylor, Aaliyah and Berklee together up front, they are hard to beat.”
North Texas will be back in action on Sunday when they take on the Florida International Panthers at the Mean Green Soccer Stadium. Sunday’s match will be the final time the Mean Green play at home this season.
Featured Image: Sophomore defensive player Logan Bruffett kicks off after a shot on the Mean Green goal. Jordan Collard
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