BOCA RATON, Fla. – The Louisiana Tech soccer team went toe-to-toe with Florida Atlantic on Friday night, but the home Owls were able to get a goal with five minutes left in regulation to take it 1-0 at FAU Soccer Stadium.
 
It was a very even match for the majority of the night as each team had a number of shot attempts and set pieces, but end the end it was FAU (6-6-0, 3-0-0 C-USA) who converted on its scoring opportunity.
 
"We were organized and gave 100 percent effort, but the difference between the two teams was that they converted their one chance and we did not convert ours," head coach Kevin Sherry said.  "In tight games, small margins make the difference.  We now just need to regroup and find that extra bit of energy for Sunday." 
 
The scoreless first half was not as jam-packed as the second half.  LA Tech (9-4-0, 2-2-0 C-USA) did have three corner kicks, but they were not able to capitalize.  Sophomore Amber Posthauer and freshman Connor Barker each had a shot on goal in the first 45 minutes. 
 
The one from Barker came in the 37th minute when she ran onto the ball on the left side of the 18 and sent a low, left-footed shot at goal but the keeper made a diving save.
 
The first part of the second period was controlled by FAU who put a lot of pressure in its attacking third.  The LA Tech defense stood tall though, keeping the Owls off the scoreboard.
 
The Lady Techsters had a couple of great opportunities midway through the second period.  First, senior Nomvula Kgoale took a free kick from 35 yards out but the shot bent left of the post.  Then about a minute later, Barker took a turnover from an Owl defender and sent a driving shot from 18 yards out but it went left of the post as well.
 
After fighting off the fifth corner kick of the second half by the Owls, the home team capitalized in the 86th minute.  It all started from the goalkeeper who passed it to a defender.  She dribbled forward and sent a pass to midfield which was flipped ahead as a through ball that split the defenders and Miracle Porter beat the keeper 1v1 to the right corner. 
 
LA Tech was not able to generate an equalizer on the pitch for the reminder of the contest, staying at six league points. 
 
FAU finished with a small edge on shot attempts (10-8).  The Lady Techsters managed just two shots that were on goal. 
 
Senior Courtney Tompkins took the loss in net, registering three saves in the process. 
 
LA Tech now heads to Miami on Sunday, Sept. 30 to take on the FIU Panthers.  Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. CT at FIU Soccer Stadium.
 
For all the latest in LA Tech Soccer, follow them on Twitter (@LATechSOC), Instagram (@LATechSOC) and Facebook (LATechSoccer) or visit the official website at LATechSports.com.