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Cao Chaves goal in the 64th minute put the Florida Gulf Coast University men's soccer team ahead 2-1, a score they would hold on to for the win against the Central Arkansas Bears in Conway, Arkansas, on Friday. The win put FGCU in a tie for second place in the Atlantic Sun Conference standings and secured a postseason berth.
"What an effort, what character, what personality, what leadership," head coach
Jesse Cormier said. "We had some good passes of play where we were significantly better. We are going to enjoy tonight. These guys are learning to win. Bellarmine is next."
FGCU continued the trend of a fervent first half of offense pressure with seven shots in the first 19 minutes, culminating with a
Shoki Yoshida goal by way of an
Alon Drey assist. Yoshida adds to his team-leading tally of four goals on the season.
Cooper Blay got his second consecutive start in goal, recording four saves on the night and not allowing a goal in the run of play. In his past two starts, Blay has not allowed a ball past him in a non-penalty kick situation.
Chaves remains a powerful offensive threat for the Eagles with two shots on goal.
Beltran Alvarez also put two shots on target including a late shot that forced the ball away from the FGCU goal and a potential tying goal.
The rest of the ASUN plays on Saturday. Results from those matches will provide further clarity as to what seed the Green and Blue will earn. FGCU has a game in hand against Bellarmine, who is winless in conference.
The Eagles return home on Nov. 2 for Senior Day against Queens. Tickets can be purchased using the link above.
