BOCA RATON, Fla. - Lynn University's women's soccer team could not hold on in the waning moments Tuesday afternoon, falling 2-1 to Nova Southeastern. Kirstie Schults scored her first career goal but the Fighting Knights saw their record drop to 7-4-1 overall and 2-3-0 in the Sunshine State Conference.
Nova Southeastern (8-2-2, 2-1-2 SSC) jumped all over the Blue & White in the opening moments, notching three quick corner kicks and logging two shots. Lynn was able to compose itself, though, and build momentum with a quick Melissa Ortiz shot from atop the penalty box.
Moments later LU would go on top. Ortiz began the play by stealing the ball in the middle third of the field and finding Lina Forsman on the right sideline. Forsman took one touch and sent in a perfect cross to the near post where Schults one-timed the shot past Michelle Fuerst to put the Knights ahead 1-0.
The Blue & White had several chances later in the half but could not capitalize on a pair of breakaway attempts. Nova Southeastern's defense also did a good job of holding its line, forcing LU offside a whopping 13 times in the match.
A strong finish to the first half unfortunately did not carry over for Lynn in the second as NSU was able to knot the game at one in the 52nd minute. Sierra Lelii easily headed in a ball to the left post off a cross from Andi Burchfield.
With time winding down, LU had two more opportunities to find the back of the net but both were turned away by the Sharks defense. Nova Southeastern then capitalized on its own chance in the 83rd minute. Failing to clear the ball two times, Lelii collected the loose ball and struck a shot to the upper right hand corner, over the outstretched hands of a diving Meghan Dolan for the game-winner.
Dolan stopped six shots while Fuerst logged two saves. The Sharks outshot Lynn 15-6 and claimed the corner kick battle 6-0.
The Fighting Knights look to rebound on Sunday, October 16, at 4 p.m. when they travel to Lakeland, Fla., to face-off against Florida Southern. Fans can listen to the game live at www.LynnFightingKnights.com by selecting the Game Central icon. Follow along with in-game tweets from Sports Information Director Chad Beattie at @Chad_BT.
