Sept. 18, 2007

BOCA RATON, FL - Jessica Badders and the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer team will have their work cut out for them this weekend when the Owls travel to face no. 10 University of Florida in Gainesville, FL on Friday.

"This week poses a very difficult challenge for us. We haven't played them since I've been here so we don't really know what to expect," said Head Coach Brian Dooley. "I know they've had some good results this year and we're doing the best we can to formulate a plan of attack and get our kids ready to play."

"We like to play these games and we try to play a few top teams every year because if you do win the conference you will likely get sent to play one of those teams in a regional," said Dooley.

Badders and the Owls' defense have not allowed a goal in over 240 minutes of play, dating back to the Sept. 9 meeting with Northwestern at FAU Field. They will need to continue their shutdown effort if the Owls are going to emerge from the clash with a win.

Defending Sun Belt Conference Player of the Week Susanna Lehtinen leads the Owls with eight points, including two goals and four assists. Alicia Tirelli has two goals for four points, and Michele Fazzari has a goal and two assists for four points.

On the season, Badders has a 1.17 goals-against average and made 11 saves while posting three shutouts on the year.

UF (4-2-0) is coming off a split weekend after falling to Illinois but rebounding against Drake.

Florida is led by KeLeigh Hudson and her nine points (3g, 3a), along with Ashley Harris (4g). Harris, a senior, was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Week for her efforts last weekend.

Katie Fraine is the team's starting goalkeeper, with an 0.67 goals-against average and 18 saves in six games. She has already posted three shutouts on the season.

The game can be seen on Gatorvision.tv and heard on Gatorzone.com, courtesy of the University of Florida. In addition, LiveStats will also be available.

Kickoff is set for Friday at 7 p.m., at James G. Pressly Stadium.