Chloe Netzel scored brace, helping UCF spoil the FAU women's soccer season opener.

Gasner Delvarin Jr

August 15, 2024

BOCA RATON, Fla. –  The Florida Atlantic Owls women's soccer registered a 5-1 loss against the University of Central Florida Knights in the season opener on Thursday night at the FAU Football Stadium. 

The Owls 0-1-0 fell behind early when Chloe Netzel set up the forward freshman Edidiong Etim to open the scoring at 1-0 for the Knights only three minutes into the match.

Netzel, who put up a dominant performance for the Knights, doubled the lead in the 39-minute off an assist by Daniella Chung, sending UCF into halftime with a 2-0 advantage.

The Knights' dominance continued after the break, as the forward Netzel completed her brace in the 48-minute, assisted by Honoka Hamano.

UCF extended their lead to 4-0 in the 54-minute from a corner kick when Jessica McCullen in the back post scored, with once again an assist provided by Hamano.

FAU finally broke through in the 61-minute when junior defender Stella Rubidoux found the back of the net for her debut goal as an Owl.

Despite FAU's efforts, UCF sealed their victory in the 81-minute as Hamano capped her impressive night with a goal assisted by Emily Thompson, making the final score 5-1.

"We just came up short tonight. We've got to flush it pretty quickly," said FAU coach Patrick Baker.

The Owls will look to bounce back in their next game against Miami, scheduled for Sunday, Aug. 18, at 6:00 p.m.

FAU | UCF | Chloe Netzel | Edidiong Etim | Jessica McCullen | Honoka Hamano | Stella Rubidoux | Patrick Baker

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Photos | Gasner Delvarin Jr.