JACKSONVILLE, FLA – The Jacksonville University women's soccer team hosted their first conference game of the season on Thursday night against Liberty at Southern Oak Stadium.
 
The Dolphins (0-7-2) battled with the Flames in a physical battle but fell by the final score of 2-0
 
"I am proud of them for battling. It is disappointing to not get a result tonight because I think we were the better team. I am proud of them for the way they have applied information. That is the reason why we're are making strides in our ability to defend and attack," commented Head Coach Laura Busby.
 
The first half was nothing short of physical as JU came onto the field dominating in the opening minutes of play. In what played out to be an equally contested matchup Jacksonville and Liberty spent much of the game towards the middle of the field.
 
JU recorded a total of three shots on goal in the first 45 minutes. Freshman midfielder Lola Negrete recorded the first shot of the night in the 20^th minute. Quickly after, still in the 20^th minute freshman forward Olivia Abdallah went 1-on-2 with the Liberty defenders to make an impressive run towards the Liberty goal to get a shot off but wound end sending the ball into the hands of the Liberty keeper. Negrete rounded out the first half with her second shot on goal. In the 39^th minute she took a powerful shot that soared over the net and then become a corner kick opportunity for the Dolphins.
 
Jacksonville and Liberty entered halftime knotted in a scoreless game.  
 
"You have to be that much sharper mentally when your body starts to get fatigued " added Busby.
 
After halftime JU returned to the field looking energized and refreshed. The lone shot for the home team in the second half came from Abdallah as she made an impressive run past five Liberty players to take a shot that went high. Abdallah, who is credited with all of the Jacksonville goals this season was recognized as the Hodges Mazda Player Of The Game.
 
In the 75^th minute Gabrielle Farrell recorded the first goal of the evening. Less than five minutes later Kasey Jamieson put the ball in the back of the net again off a header with an assist from Kayleigh Kardos.
 
"The reality is in this conference you've got to look forward to the next game. We will recover tomorrow and address some things on Saturday and then have an opportunity to defend our home field again," Busby continued.
 
The Dolphins will continue their homestand at Southern Oak Stadium on Sunday afternoon when they host Kennesaw State at 1p.m.