Battling to the very end paved the way for the Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team as it scored the game-tying goal with four minutes left in regulation Friday night in a 1-1 tie against the University of Arkansas from the FAU Soccer Stadium.

“For the first time this season I think we put together our most productive 90 minutes and then some,” said Brian Dooley, Head Women’s Soccer Coach.  “We had better possession tonight so the group was working hard and also shows the progress they have made since the beginning of the year.”

All-Sun Belt Conference selection Ashley Mannarino provided the dramatic goal after drawing out the Razorbacks goalkeeper after an initial shot was blocked.  The senior forward then netted her fourth goal of the season to a wide open net from 35 yards out.

“It was a scrap in front of the goal so we were trying to pass it which forced their player to move out wide and Ashley was in the right place at the right time and made a strong kick,” said Dooley.

However, Arkansas struck first with a goal in the opening period that gave the visitors a 1-0 advantage.  The Razorbacks worked the ball along the left side of the pitch.  A lead pass from midfield to a running Allie Chandler netted her team-leading third goal on the season as she finished in the upper right corner on the shot from just inside the box.

This match marks for just the second time in seven matches that Arkansas was held without a multiple goal performance.

Freshman goalkeeper Ashley Lantes matched her career-high with 12 saves in the contest.

Dooley applauded the work of his young goalkeeper, who made five saves in each half of regulation.

“You really don’t want to have your goalkeeper to make that many saves during a game but so far she has been up to the task,” said Dooley.

FAU stands 2-4-2 on the season and has not suffered a loss at home in four straight matches.  The Owls will conclude the four-game home stand on Sunday, Sept. 20 against regionally-ranked University of Mississippi , starting at noon.  Arkansas sits at 5-0-2.

Source: FAU Media Relations