HIALEAH, Fla. ( Nov. 1, 2022) – Florida National once again ended a heated match against local rival and the NAIA’s No. 7 ranked St. Thomas Bobcats, with a 0-0 draw after 90 minutes of play. FNU’s final regular season match was loaded with drama and passion as both sides seemed to be equally matched in the middle of the field.
With this scoreless tie, the Bobcats end the 2022 regular season undefeated with a 9-0-4 record and FNU improves to 9-1-3 as both teams prepare for postseason play.
In the first half, tempers flared early as STU’s Hernando Suarez picked up an early yellow card after taking the legs off an FNU attacker. From then on, both sides were physical; constantly fighting for possession of the ball.
Florida National lead the way in shots taken with three attempts, including a solid header from Ricardo Delwing that was wide left off a corner kick from Marcos Bakale in the 26-minute. STU was held shotless in the first half and took no corner kicks while FNU attempted two corners before both sides retired for the second half.
The second half saw the Bobcats come alive on offense taking five shots in the period to FNU’s three. Both sides were evenly matched as the majority of the contest was played at midfield. Each keeper was held to one save in the contest, as Victor Ruiz picked up another clean sheet in this regular season closer. With eight minutes left in the game, STU’s Euwin Stevens had a good-looking header sail past the crossbar, as FNU faithful took a collective sigh of relief. With little time left in the, neither could take advantage.
The Conquistadors ended the night with four corners six shots and 14 fouls.
Up Next: The Conquistadors now set their sights on post-season play as the CAC Soccer Championships in Lawrenceville, Georgia, begin November 11.
