By Rick Henderson – FAU Owls Nets
With stormy conditions in the area earlier, the weather eventually held out on Thursday night to allow FAU women’s soccer to kick-off their 2024 season.
But Central Florida used some early lightning to take a 1-0 lead just 2:49 into the action, ultimately securing the match 5-1 before onlookers at FAU Football Stadium. With the victory, the Knights broke a 4-4 series record tie against the Owls for action set in Boca Raton.
Florida Atlantic (0-1) held things in check until UCF’s second score came late in the first half at the 38:14 mark. Unfortunately that tally only held briefly into the second frame when UCF placed two balls into the net within just under a six minute span of play to extend the deficit to 4-0.
FAU would avoid the shut-out thanks to a high arching shot to the top left corner of the goal by junior defender and Air Force Academy transfer Stella Rubidoux at the 60:26 mark of the second half. Rubidoux was making her debut in an Owls’ uniform.
Stella Rubidoux scores her first goal as an Owl
— Florida Atlantic Women's Soccer (@FAUWSoccer) August 16, 2024
FAU 1 – UCF 4 pic.twitter.com/s56kQsqa1I
The Knights (1-0) added the matches’ final goal for the evening shortly thereafter.
Central Florida was extremely efficient while edging FAU in shots on goal 6-5 and seeing five of those find the net. The Owls did however take corner kick opportunities 6-4.
FAU women’s soccer will have to regroup quickly as Miami is next slated to visit Boca Raton on Sunday in the second of a three match set to open the year.
Despite being picked to finish 16th in the American Coast Conference, the Hurricanes compete in a league with six Preseason Top 25 teams. The contest will be held at FAU Soccer Stadium and is scheduled to begin at 6:00 PM.
