FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. –
Emma Heikkila converted a free kick in the 49
th minute, while Nova Southeastern's stifling defense limited Lynn to just one shot, as the Sharks slid past the Fighting Knights 1-0 on Monday to advance to the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinals. Head coach
John Constable's team will now travel to face Rollins on Thursday in a matchup the Sharks won in the opening week of November.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Score: Nova Southeastern 1, Lynn 0
Records: Nova Southeastern (14-2-2), Lynn (7-8-3)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
- The defenses controlled the early portion of the match, as just one shot was recorded by either side in the opening 18:46.
- Following three saves by Lynn keeper Devan Malcolm, NSU's Brianna King missed wide on a free kick attempt in the 30th minute.
- The Sharks would muster three more shots throughout the remainder of the half, but another save by Malcolm – this time on a Gaby Moreira header – would eventually send both teams into the break knotted up at 0-0.
- NSU attacked the Lynn backline at the start of the second half, and nearly broke through when Adanna Edwards' half-bicycle kick clipped the crossbar in the 48th minute.
- Just 1:13 later, though, NSU managed to erase the shutout, as Heikkila bent a free kick from about 25 yards out past Malcolm for her 10th goal of the season.
- From there, the Sharks were able to rely on their stout defense, which collected its 14th shutout on the year Monday.
- Lynn finally notched its first and only shot of the night in the 71st minute. NSU keeper Natalie Robayna passed her lone test of the match, however, corralling the save to preserve the lead.
- The Fighting Knights created one final chance, earning a corner kick in the 87th minute, yet NSU's backline cleared the attempt before the offense was able to melt the clock away in the late moments.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
- NSU has now reached the SSC Tournament semifinal round in each of Constable's five seasons.
- Following Monday's win, the Sharks improved to 11-0-1 at home this season.
- Lynn entered the match averaging over 14 shots per game to go along with 2.70 goals per game.
- Heikkila is now one of two Sharks with double-digit goals this season, joining Hannah Christophe, who leads the way with 13.
STATS OF THE NIGHT:
- The Sharks finished the night with a 19-1 advantage in shots, while also owning the corner kick edge, 4-1.
- Heikkila registered a game-high six shots, with four other NSU players collecting two apiece, including freshman Kristina Maribona, who earned a season-high 52 minutes off the bench.
UP NEXT:
NSU will look to duplicate its previous 3-0 victory over Rollins when it takes on the Tars this Thursday at 6 p.m. in Winter Park, Fla. For complete coverage of the action, visit the
schedule page on NSUSharks.com or follow the Sharks on Twitter @NSU_WSoccer.
