HIALEAH, Fla.- The Ave Maria University men's soccer team dropped its first road match of the 2021 season, 5-1, to the Florida National Conquistadors at Ted Hendricks Stadium in Hialeah. Despite a goal in the closing moments of the first half, the Gyrenes could not dig their way out of an early deficit at the hands of the host Conquistadors, who moved to 2-0 on the season.
Florida National scored first, jumping on top in the seventh minute of the match. On a counter attack from the Conquistadors, Pedro Navarro crossed the ball to Blas Barrancos, who was able to finish from short range to put FNU ahead. Barrancos struck again in the 23rd minute, with assists given to Arthur Barbosa and Benjamin Zamora.
Ave Maria got back in the match in the closing moments of the first half. After a deflection, freshman Julyan Ormaechea converted from short distance, putting the Gyrenes back within a goal at 2-1. The goal came with only seconds remaining in the first half, sending the game into the halftime break with the Conquistadors holding a one goal lead with 45 minutes to play.
The Conquistadors added their third goal of the match just over five minutes into the second half. Manuel Rodriguez's shot hit the post, but Benjamin Zamora was there to finish from point black range, increasing Florida National's lead to 3-1. In the 62nd minute, lightning was detected in the area of Ted Hendricks Stadium, and the game was delayed for more than an hour.
Following the break, the Conquistadors scored twice to add to their lead. A corner kick from Martin Marijuan led to a goal from Tomas Casavilla, giving FNU a three-goal lead in the 72nd minute. The final goal of the match came on a penalty kick that followed an Ave Maria foul in the penalty box. Constantino Higa was given the opportunity from the spot, and converted to account for the 5-1 final margin.
FNU outshot Ave Maria 17-1 in the contest, which included an 11-1 edge in shots on goal. AMU goalkeeper Rhys Lawlor made five saves in the losing effort.
AMU is back on the road on Tuesday, when the Gyrenes take on the Falcons of Florida College for the second time this season. Florida College was victorious in the first meeting between the two teams, winning 4-2 at Gyrene Field this past Saturday. The rematch in Temple Terrace is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
