MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. | With a 1-0 victory, the Florida Memorial women’s soccer team defeated Webber International for the first time in program history. The highly competitive contest held at Dr. Lester Brown Park proved to be historic as head coach Marc Lue Young earned his first career SUN conference victory while the team won its first conference match since 2016.
“I’m ecstatic right now,” explained Lue Young. “The ladies played well for 90 minutes. We scored a great goal in the second half and continued to keep our foot on the pedal, and I think the result was just. We deserved it today.”
Both teams tested the waters in the first half, but none could find the net as both goalkeepers stood strong. However, FMU broke the tie in the 58th minute as Sierra Bartley received a pass from Mariana Ballesteros before making a crucial move, cutting her defender and changing directions before striking it on frame for the eventual match winner.
FMU goalkeeper Maria Goncalves Guimares produced a clean sheet and finished with six saves while Bartley generated a team-high four shots. The back line for the Lions, including Daniela Canizales, Kiara Kallie, Lea Valdez and others played brilliantly, keeping the Warriors out of the net.
“It feels great to be honest; I’ve been here for three years, and we’ve been struggling,” said FMU midfielder Kelsey Akins. “I stayed for Coach Marc because he said he was going to build a team, and he’s doing it. We’re fighting out there.”
The Lions return to action on Saturday, October 7 where they’ll host St. Thomas in the Battle of Miami Gardens. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. at Dr. Lester Brown Park.
Photo Credit: David Badia
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