The Eagles returned to Pickering Field on Saturday Nov. 2 to face conference opponents the Queens University of Charlotte for their final ASUN Conference game of the season. The Eagles went on to lose their matchup against the Royals conceding 1-0.
The Eagles entered the game strong, getting their first shot on goal by defender Luke Barforosh in the third minute of the first period. Shortly after the goal, the team obtained three consecutive fouls, providing the Royals with numerous scoring opportunities.
After two shots on goal that were saved by goalie Cooper Blay, the Royals earned a foul, giving the Eagles possession of the ball.
The team took advantage, getting two shots on goal, one by forward Cao Chaves, and another by Barforosh, with a third a few minutes later by midfielder Alon Dray.
Eventually, after both teams traded fouls, giving each other the chance to score, the Royals scored their first goal 30 minutes into the match, making the score 0-1.
The Eagles earned a penalty kick, giving them an easy opportunity to tie the match. Unfortunately, it was saved by the Royals’ goalkeeper, Matheus Rhormens.
“I felt like we gave up that one moment against the run,” Cormier said. “I thought we had a lot of opportunities. I thought we had a lot of possession, but we need a little bit more courage and decisiveness, I think in each area of the field, specifically up high,”
Queens tried to get another goal in, but the shot was blocked by Blay. They got a yellow card at the end of the period, going into the half with a one-goal lead over the Eagles.
FGCU returned to the field with some vigor, as defender Jose Escobar got a shot on the Royals’ goal in the first few seconds of the half, but it was saved by the goalie.
After this, the game was a blur of both teams trading possession of the ball, fouling each other, and trading yellow cards. This continued on for FGCU’s bench was growing restless, resulting in them being given a yellow card for dissent by the referee.
At the end of the second period, FGCU lost the matchup, 1-0 against Queens.
The Eagles will host the Quarterfinals round of the 2024 ASUN Women’s Soccer Championship. They enter the postseason as the No. 3 seat and will host the No. 6 Bellarmine University Knights on Saturday, Nov. 9.
