SAINT LEO, Fla. – It's no secret that 10th-ranked Saint Leo presents a tall challenge for any opponent, especially at home. The Lions have compiled a record of 8-1-1 at University Field including a nine-game unbeaten streak following Friday's 1-0 win over No. 25 Rollins. Riding its own sense of momentum, though, after its comeback effort against Barry, No. 20 Nova Southeastern appears as ready as ever to earn the program's first Sunshine State Conference Tournament Championship when both teams collide in the final Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
The Lions had the upper hand over the Sharks at home less than two weeks ago, using a pair of goals from Genevieve Gignac and Arielle Kabangu to pick up the 2-0 victory. Neither side mustered much offense, particularly in the first half, but Saint Leo capitalized on its few opportunities in what resulted as only the third shutout of the season for Nova Southeastern. The defeat opened the door for the Lions to capture the conference regular season crown and now forces the Sharks to hand Saint Leo its first home loss since September 5 if they want to make history Sunday.
University Field hadn't been too kind to head coach John Constable's club through over a game and a half this season until some late magic changed the outlook Friday night in the Sharks' thrilling 2-1 semifinal win. Trailing 1-0 for much of the match after the Buccaneers pulled in front in the 5th minute on an unfortunate deflection on an attempted clearance, Nova Southeastern displayed its offensive firepower in a flash to stun the reigning SSC Tournament champs.
Held without a single shot on target until he 76th minute, freshman Myriah Troutman provided a much-needed spark off the bench down the stretch. The forward had the Sharks' first shot on goal swallowed up by Barry keeper Paula Forero, but wouldn't be turned away twice and equalized in the 78th on her third goal of the season. Just 47 seconds later after forcing a turnover on the ensuing kickoff, Emma Heikkila fired towards net from about 25 yards out. The ball skipped in front of Forero, but took a tricky bounce and scooted into the goal for what eventually resulted as the game-winner.
The Sharks will hope for a much faster start in their rematch with the Lions as they've gone a perfect 11-0 on the year in matches in which they've scored first.
Sunday will mark NSU's first-ever appearance in the SSC final.
Ticket prices for Sunday's showdown are $8 for adults and $5 for youth (age 13-college) and seniors. Admission is free for all SSC institution students with proper identification and children ages 12 and under.
For complete coverage of the championship action, follow along on Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer and by clicking on the provided links on the
schedule page.
