AUBURNDALE, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University women's soccer battled Florida National University on Saturday afternoon, but the Phoenix were unable to slow a highpowered Conquistador attack in a 17-0 setback. Florida Poly moved to 0-6-0 on the season, while Florida National improved to 1-5-1.
Florida National established control early, opening the scoring in the seventh minute on a goal from Melina Tideman. Latyfath Ubeda followed with goals at 11:17 and 16:53, the second coming on a penalty kick, before Mara Graef added another less than a minute later. Florida National continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half and carried a 7-0 advantage into the break.
Despite the scoreline, Florida Poly goalkeeper Despina Sinapidi was called upon repeatedly and turned away numerous opportunities. Sinapidi recorded 12 saves in the first half and another 10 after halftime, finishing the afternoon with 22 saves on 39 shots on goal.
Florida National continued its offensive push in the second half, with Graef scoring twice more to complete a hat trick and Ubeda eventually finishing with four goals. Julieta Stradella also scored three times after halftime as the visitors extended their advantage. Florida National finished the match with 62 total shots, including 39 on target.
The Phoenix were able to generate a pair of opportunities in the second half. Amanda
Custin recorded Florida Poly's first shot on goal in the 62nd minute, forcing Florida National goalkeeper Scarlett Veloza into a save. Leyla Kacurova added another shot on target in the 88th minute, but Veloza again made the stop to preserve the shutout.
Florida Poly finished with two shots, both of which were on goal, while Sinapidi's 22-save effort highlighted the defensive performance. Kacurova and Custin each recorded one shot on goal for the Phoenix. Florida National held a 62-2 advantage in total shots and a 39-2 edge in shots on goal.
