On October 30th, the University of North Florida played against Florida Atlantic University. This was a big game for UNF because it was their last home game of the season and was their senior night.

The two teams warmed up on the field for about 30 minutes before heading back into the locker rooms. When 6 o’clock rolled around, the two teams ran out onto the field being introduced by the commentator.

Before the game started, the seniors were called to the front of the stadium where they were presented with their own plaques and lined up to take pictures with their coaches and families. The four seniors that were honored were Torian Went, Sekani Mayers, Taylor Martin and Jake Hawker.

“It feels bitter-sweet. I’m sad that my time as an Osprey is coming to a close but having had the opportunity in the first place is something I’ll always be thankful for,” said Went.

After the seniors were recognized, both teams lined up facing the stadium. They were then introduced one by one leading us into the national anthem.

The game started at approximately 6 p.m. and quickly picked up pace. There was a miscommunication in the backfield causing FAU’s, Ivan Mykhailenko, to try and slip the ball down low but was quickly saved by UNF’s goalkeeper, Carlos Melendez.

Dribbling up the left side of the field, #15 Robbie Soronellas, passed the ball to middle field, where it was picked up by #17 Miguel DeLeon. DeLeon then curved the ball to the lower right side of the net, to lead UNF 1-0, at the 16th minute mark.

The first half came to a close and both teams headed back to the locker rooms to recoop.

Starting for the second half included players: #0 Carlos Melendez, #3 Zane Bubb, #15 Robbie Soronellas, #23 Bendeguz Burka, #6 Torian Went, #14 Brennan Breuer, #18 Giovanny Abreu, #4 Nick Burgess, #21 Herbie Steigelman, #24 Cormac Begley and #17 Miguel DeLeon.

About 10 minutes into the second half, the fields’ sprinklers went off.

“I had never been to a soccer game before so when they started to go off, I didn’t really think anything of it. I thought that it could have been normal until I realized everyone around me was giggling and talking about it,” said Michelle Gallows, an aunt of one of the players.

With only six minutes left to the game, FAU’s Mykhailenko made a shot to the lower left corner of the net, only to be kicked out of play by #3, Zane Bubb.

“With there being only so much time left in the game, you can’t afford to miss opportunities like that,” said Bubb.

UNF won the game 1-0 with only having 4 shots throughout the game versus FAU’s 13 shots. Their defense worked extra hard to make sure none of FAU’s shots were successful.

North Florida’s next game is in Charlotte where they will close out their regular season. They will then be heading to Fort Myers on November 6th to compete in the ASUN quarterfinals. The quarter finals are set for Friday and the semifinals are set for Sunday.