HIALEAH, Fla. ( Sept. 27, 2023) – Florida National University showed true grit in its 2-2 draw versus the NCAA DII Palm Beach Atlantic University Sailfish. The Conquistadors (6-1-2) notched its second tie of the 2023 season thanks in part to true resilience against a sturdy PBA (3-4-1) defense under the Wednesday night lights.
FNU was tested early after PBA’s Narcis Bou Dalmau found the back of the net after a quick counterattack set up by Yannick Toth. Down 1-0 just eight minutes into the game, the Conquistadors outshot the Sailfish 7-5 before halftime. Goalkeeper Omar Einarsson had a busy period racking up four saves before both teams headed off the field.
In the second half, the Conquistadors came out red-hot on offense, as Christian Hernandez got off a solid shot towards the bottom right of the goal that was scooped up by Einarsson. In the 48th minute, Santiago Leaniz delivered the equalizer on an assist from Manuel Rodriguez. With their lead wiped away, PBA still managed to face the onslaught of the Conquistador’s attack well. Einarsson blocked the next two Conquistador shots on goal, including a dangerous free kick taken from long range by Bautista Dominguez.
Unfortunately for Einarsson, a costly mistake with his feet allowed FNU forward Nicolas Martinez to steal the ball and launch a textbook goal into an empty net. FNU’s bench swarmed Martinez as the Conquistadors looked prime to close out the match with a win. To PBA’s credit, the Sailfish got themselves right back into contention with another goal from Dalmau that surged past the diving block of Juan Manuel Fermoselle in the 64th minute.
Dalmau’s stunner was the final goal of the contest despite a terrific open shot for defender Ricardo Delwing in the 39th minute that sailed wide. FNU had one final opportunity from mid-field on a free kick taken by Matias Leaniz with 24 seconds left on the clock, but the visiting team was unable to materialize a hail-mary goal.
FNU had two corner kicks awarded to PBA’s three. The Sailfishes had 14 shots while FNU put up 17. Fermoselle faced seven shots on goal and recorded five saves, while Einarsson racked up eight saves.
Up Next: Men’s soccer hosts New College of Florida on Sept. 30 at 10:30 a.m.
