The Florida Atlantic University women’s soccer team put all phases of the game together in Sunday’s 2-0 win over Stetson University at the FAU Soccer Stadium in Boca Raton.  The Owls scored once in each half to improve their record to 2-0 on the season.

FAU struck first as sophomore forward Jesse Shugg scored from the center of the 18-yard box on a cross set up by sophomore forward Brittney Nash in the 18^th minute.  The Burlington, Ont., Canada native finished with a hard shot to the lower right corner of the goal for her second goal of the season. 

“It was important to get ahead early so we could establish tempo in the match.  Jesse’s goal gave us a boost and from there we were able to play a good match,” said Brian Dooley, FAU’s head women’s soccer coach.  “It was a good team victory.”

The Owls held a 9-3 shot advantage in the first half and added more pressure in the second 45-minute stanza.  Nash found the back of the net off a free kick from redshirt junior midfielder Meghan Brown in the 65^th minute.  The goal was the first of the season for the Desoto, Texas native to go along with her two assists recorded during the opening week of action.

The visiting Hatters increased their pressure in the last 10 minutes of the match and were awarded a penalty kick opportunity with just over two minutes remaining.  However, junior goalkeeper Ashley Lantes denied the attempt from Stetson’s Alyssa Welsh to preserve the shutout.  Lantes made three saves in the match.

Overall, FAU outshot the Hatters 13-8, including nine shots on goal.  Shugg and Brown paced the offensive attack with three shots each.  Senior defender Gabriela DeVries added two shots.

The win marks the first time that the Owls have started 2-0 since 2005.

FAU returns to the pitch on Friday, September 2 when it battles Mercer University at 7 p.m. at the FAU Soccer Stadium.