Boca Raton, FL - Regionally ranked University of Denver scored three second-half goals to down the Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team 3-0 on Friday night in a Sun Belt Conference match at the FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton. 

The visiting Pioneers, ranked fifth in this week’s National Soccer Coaches Association of America South region poll, found the back of the net twice in a three-minute span after the two teams battled to a scoreless draw in the first 63 minutes.

Kalie Vaughn fired a shot from outside the 18-yard box that snuck inside the left post for Denver in the 64^th minute.  The goal was the eighth on the season for the reigning Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week.  The scoring chance was set up by Shelby Wesley. 

The Pioneers added an insurance goal three minutes later when Bria Beardsley’s shot slipped through the hands of FAU junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes.  Taylor Bailey provided the assist for Beardsley’s second goal of the season.

Denver capped the scoring in the 80^th minute on Katy Van Lieshout’s third goal of the season.  The shot came from 18 yards out and found the inside the right post.

FAU sophomore forward Jesse Shugg fired the team’s lone shot in the second half.  Lantes made seven saves in net.

The loss drops the Owls to 5-8-1 on the season and 1-5-1 in SBC play.  The setback was only the second of the season and first in home league play.  Denver improves to 13-2 overall and 7-0 in conference action.  The Owls return to the pitch on Sunday, October 16, against the University of North Texas, beginning at noon.