LAKELAND, FLORIDA — Embry-Riddle (FL) and Fla. Southern battled to a 1-1 draw on Wednesday, extending both teams' unbeaten streaks in a tightly contested NCAA Division II matchup. The Eagles and Mocs traded goals in a defensive struggle that saw limited scoring opportunities despite sustained pressure from both sides.
Isabella Payne gave Fla. Southern an early advantage in the 3rd minute, assisted by Sammie Markey and Ellie Dossantos. The hosts controlled much of the first half, but Embry-Riddle (FL) responded with resilience and equalized through Lauryn Mateo in the 64th minute, with Berglind Thrastardottir providing the assist. The second-half breakthrough proved decisive in preventing either team from securing victory.
Embry-Riddle dominated possession metrics, recording 11 shot attempts compared to Fla. Southern's six. The Eagles converted two of those attempts into shots on goal, while the Mocs managed three on goal. Embry-Riddle's aggressive approach generated six corner kicks throughout the match, though neither team capitalized on set-piece opportunities to break the deadlock.
Defensively, both goalkeepers made crucial contributions. Embry-Riddle's keeper recorded two saves, while Fla. Southern's netminder made one. Aliya Roberts received a yellow card for unsporting conduct in the 54th minute, the match's only disciplinary action. The defensive intensity prevented either offense from establishing rhythm in the final thir