HIALEAH, Fla. (August 24, 2021) – It took an 89th-minure goal by forward Blas Barrancos to give the Florida National men’s soccer team a 2-1 season-opening win over the Florida Memorial Lions on Tuesday.
With the game tied 1-1, Barrancos one-timed a pass from teammate Constantino Higa in area to score the eventual game-winner and give the Conquistadors their first win of the 2021 season.
Bautista Dominguez got FNU on the board in the first half with his first score of the young season, deflecting a clearance by FMU goalkeeper Jesus Tovar into the back of the net. The score came in the 26th minute. FNU dominated the first half, holding the Lions to just one shot in the first 45 minutes of action.
Florida Memorial came out strong in the second half. The Lions pressured the FNU defense (something not done in the first half), resulting in a drawn penalty kick in the 65th minute. Johan Godoy tied the game with the converted PK attempt – his first score of the season.
Godoy’s PK was the only offense FMU could muster as the Conquistadors shut down the Lions for the remainder of the match.
Florida National out-shot the Lions 14-4, including a 9-3 advantage on shots on goal.
In net, FNU split time with both Victor Ruiz Lasso and Rodrigo Festuccia with Ruiz Lasso picking up the victory.
The Conquistadors will return to action on Wednesday, September 1, hosting the Ave Maria Gyrenes. Game time is slated for 5:00 p.m.
