NORFOLK, Va. – Four matches into the season, the Old Dominion men's soccer team (1-1-2, 0-1-2 C-USA) suffered its first loss of the year against Florida Atlantic (4-2-2, 1-2-0 C-USA) by a 1-0 score at the ODU Soccer Complex on Sunday afternoon.
"We are disappointed with the result, but we need to bring more energy and courage if we want to win in this league," said ODU head coach Alan Dawson.
Despite the Owls outshooting the Monarchs 6-2 in the opening frame and holding a 3-0 advantage for corner kicks, the match remained scoreless at halftime. Both keepers made two first half saves.
Jean Paul Rafols broke the scoreless match in the 67th minute, when he finished a header off a Jose Alastuey corner kick to give FAU a 1-0 lead and ultimately victory. The goal was the first of the season for Paul Rafols.
Both squads attempted seven shots in the second half, while the Owls attempted five of the seven corners in the closing 45 minutes.
Djibril Doumbia was credited with four saves on the day for the Monarchs, while Neil Strauber made six for Florida Atlantic.
Old Dominion will return to the pitch on Saturday, March 27, when the Monarchs travel to Huntington, West Virginia for a 2 p.m. match against No. 8 nationally ranked Marshall. Next Saturday's match will stream on ESPN+.
The latest edition of Dawson's Week was released earlier this week, as ODU head coach Alan Dawson and Ted Alexander talk all things Old Dominion men's soccer. To watch the newest edition of Dawson's Week, please CLICK HERE.
ODU Suffers First Loss of the Season to Florida Atlantic, 1-0
