FAU Women’s Soccer Preps for 2008 Season

Owls will host the University of Florida on Sunday, August 24



BOCA RATON, FL (August 1, 2008) – Florida Atlantic University’s women’s soccer program officially begins its 2008 campaign on Tuesday, August 5, when the team’s student-athletes report to FAU’s Boca Raton campus for preseason camp. The Owls’ match on Friday, August 22 at Florida Gulf Coast University will initiate the University’s 2008-09 athletics schedule.

The Owls have enjoyed eight-straight winning seasons under Head Coach Brian Dooley, who enters the 2008 season ranked No. 14 among active NCAA Division I coaches in career winning percentage (.702). His 2008 Owls will be tested early, hosting the University of Florida in the team’s home-opener on Sunday, August 24. The Gators, a team FAU tied 0-0 in 2007, finished the 2007 season ranked No. 17 nationally by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

“It is important that we take every game on our schedule with the same preparation and intensity,” said Dooley. “Having Florida as our home opener is a challenge. They will be a Top 10 team, and they will certainly be ready to play. They are a legitimate contender for the National Championship this year. Another ranked team we play this year is the University of Miami on the road.”

Defense has been an FAU trademark under Dooley, with the Owls posting nine shutouts one year ago, the program’s second season as a member of the Sun Belt Conference. Dooley’s 2006 squad had 16 shutouts in 21 matches, leading the nation in shutout percentage (.762). The Owls entire defensive side returns for the 2008 campaign, a unit which held opponents to just 6.8 shots per match in 2007.

Sun Belt Conference play begins the last weekend of Sep tember when the Owls play host to both Western Kentucky University and Middle Tennessee State University.

“The Sun Belt has been a difficult move for us,” said Dooley. “I did not expect the difference in athleticism, but we have still been able to compete at a high level. Reaching the championship game is a realistic goal for us this season.”

The FAU Ticket Office is located at FAU's Tom Oxley Center, 777 Glades Road, Boca Raton campus, and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.