Lady Falcons Lose Home Opener

TEMPLE TERRACE, Fla. – The Florida College Women's Soccer team lost their home opener to the Warner University Royals 2-1 on Tuesday night. 

After a lengthy delay due to lightning in the area, this late-night showdown between the Lady Falcons and the Royals kicked off. With both teams eager to get playing, this game was set to be an entertaining contest. There were nine shots in the first half, but both keepers stood firm keeping the game even at 0-0 going into the half. 

Unlike the first half, the second half was full of action and results. Just eight minutes into the second half the Royals crossed a ball into the middle of the box from a free kick and Yami Fuentes headed a ball off a Lady Falcon and took the lead 1-0. The Lady Falcons refused to go down without a fight and won a penalty kick in the 58th minute where Marta Cuenca stepped up and converted from the spot to bring the game all square at 1-1. After some strong saves by Florida College's Jillian Francis, Warner was able to break through in the 83rd minute from a set piece that was headed in by Reinna Scott. The Lady Falcons would apply heavy pressure to tie this game back up, but their efforts fell short with this contest coming to a close with Warner on top. 

Florida College's Jillian Francis had this to say about the game, "I'd say the game was pretty evenly matched and the outcome could have definitely gone either way, we just got the short end of the stick. Warner is a solid program and has been the past couple of years, so we expect a good battle every time we play them. This game was definitely a good start for the rest of this season and our journey with Coach Ashwood.  I think we have some good momentum heading into the rest of the season, and hopefully, we will be able to fully capitalize later in the season. I'm so excited for what this year holds!" 

The Lady Falcons will take on Ave Maria University Saturday, August 31, at 5 PM on Qualls Field.