JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – North Florida women’s soccer extended its unbeaten streak to nine games, the longest in the Division I era, as the Ospreys (8-3-7, 5-1-4 ASUN) took down Eastern Kentucky (9-7-2, 6-3-1 ASUN) 2-1, behind goals from Paige McSwigan and Zara Siassi on Sunday afternoon.
McSwigan opened the scoring in the 34th minute after the Ospreys capitalized on a poor pass from the Colonels for her team-high seventh goal of the campaign. Just three minutes later, Jersi Dadah was brought down in the box, resulting in a penalty kick for North Florida. Zara Siassi stepped up and slotted her first goal of the season from the spot. Despite EKU finding the back of the net with just 10 minutes to go, the Osprey defense held strong to earn all three points.
Prior to kickoff, Sophia Hayag, Sofia Miliancano, Jersi Dadah, Allyna Thurston, Sarah Barrentine, Brooklynn Fugel and Ella Dudley were all honored on Senior Day for their contributions on and off the pitch.
Siassi made program history against EKU, making her 80th consecutive career appearance for the Ospreys and breaking the all-time appearance record that was previously set at 79 games by alumni Lauren Maze, who played for UNF from 2006-2010.
UNF 2, EKU 1
Scoring Summary
Inside the Match
- First Half: the Colonels started the match on the front foot, forcing two early shots on the Osprey goal … Eastern Kentucky continued to apply the pressure, but the UNF defense stood strong … the Ospreys took the lead in the 34th minute after Taylor Tamares intercepted a pass from the EKU keeper and found Brooke Susi, who slotted in Paige McSwigan, who poked home her seventh goal of the season … just three minutes later, Jersi Dadah was brought down in the EKU box with the referee pointing to the spot for a penalty … captain Zara Siassi stepped up and slotted home her first goal of the season to double the Ospreys advantage, sending North Florida into the break on top.
- Second Half: Both sides came out of the break pushing for goals, almost doubling their shot totals in the second period … in the 80th minute, EKU’s Peyton Smith found Maddie Murphy, who cut the Ospreys advantage to one … the UNF defense was resilient for the final ten minutes, holding on to earn its eighth win of the campaign and make it nine matches unbeaten.
Notes
- McSwigan tallied her team-high seventh goal of the season
- Siassi marked her record-breaking appearance with a penalty goal, the second strike of her collegiate career
- UNF is undefeated at Hodges Stadium this season with a record of 5-0-4 at home
- Tamares notched her second assist of the campaign
- The Ospreys are 40-1-6 when scoring first under head coach Eric Faulconer
- Susi recorded her first collegiate assist against the Colonels
- Faulconer earned his 285th career win against EKU on Sunday
- North Florida is currently on its longest unbeaten streak in its Division I era
Up Next
North Florida concludes the regular season at home, hosting cross-town rivals Jacksonville in the 26th edition of the River City Rumble Saturday, Oct. 26 with kickoff set for 6 p.m.
