Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Aug. 28, 2019) The Nova Southeastern University men’s soccer team fell to the Florida Atlantic Owls 3-2 in an exhibition game on a goal scored in the 90^th minute of play at the NSU Soccer Complex on Saturday.

 

The final goal, scored by Florida Atlantic’s Benny Barshai with :58 seconds in regulation, was deflected into the air by Sharks goalie Lyle Howe, but crossed the line before defender Tim Taylor could clear the net giving FAU the win.

 

FAU struck first in the 36^th minute with the lone goal in the first half off a corner kick, which was deflected in by Barshai as the Owls carried a 1-0 lead into the intermission.

 

The Owls extended their lead to 2-0 after the break when Darnell King footed the score past the NSU defense in the 59th minute. Just :30 seconds later, the Sharks’ Paul Lewis narrowed the deficit to 2-1 on a rocket shot from the top of the box.

 

In the 68th minute, NSU’s Shane Coore tied the game 2-2 on a 25-yard blast from the right corner of the box off a pass from Darryl Gordon. However, with just :58 seconds remaining in regulation, FAU’s Barshai’s shot gave the Owls the edge for the 3-2 decision.

 

“Although the game didn’t completely go in our favor today, it was good to see my team’s new players in action on the field”, Coach Giuseppe Depalo said after the game, “We made a few mistakes, but I am looking forward to this season.”

 

Today’s friendly saw Howe record four saves for the Sharks, while the Owls three goalies combined for two goals allowed and no saves.

 

The Sharks kick off the season in Memphis, Tenn. this Friday, Sept. 3 against Christian Brothers at 7:30 pm.