Second-Seeded Sharks Ready for Postseason Play

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern women’s soccer team (9-1-4, 6-1-3 SSC) looks to continue its impressive season with a Semifinal matchup in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament against No. 3 seed Embry-Riddle (11-0-5, 5-5 SSC).

The Sharks have had an incredible season, improving mightily under second-year coach James Moore. NSU was electric in 2022, scoring two goals per game on average, the second-best rate in the SSC. While having a great offense, the Sharks possessed one of the stingiest defenses in the conference, allowing less than a goal per game (0.64).

Nova Southeastern is coming into the tournament after a hot stretch in October that saw the team win or draw its last eight matches, outscoring opponents 29-3. With seven consecutive positive results against SSC opponents (4-0-3), the Sharks are getting hot at the right time.

The Sharks are led by a pair of All-SSC First Team players in junior forward Luana Grabias and junior goalkeeper Stefane Rosa. The new arrivals have been two of the best players in the conference, making the Sharks one of the most complete teams in the SSC.

Grabias was named the Sunshine State Conference Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year, and made an instant impact in the scoring department, netting a team-best 10 goals, including five game-winners and four assists. Rosa was dominant, leading the SSC in saves (78), save percentage (89.7%) and clean sheets (6). In 2022, the Brazil native earned three SSC Defensive Player of the Week honors during the season.

NSU also had two All-SSC Second Team selections, with senior defender Annie Bjork and sophomore defender Louise Matsgard earning recognition.

The Sharks will take on No. 3 seed Embry-Riddle at the NSU Soccer Complex at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 3. A tough matchup awaits the prolific Sharks, as Embry-Riddle boasts the least goals conceded per game in the SSC (0.56). NSU traveled to Daytona Beach, Fla. to meet with Eagles in early October, and the two teams fought hard in a 0-0 draw.

Of the 14 matches the Sharks have played in 2022, the Eagles are one of two teams to hold NSU scoreless. With that being said, the first meeting was on the road, and the Semifinal will be at the NSU Soccer Complex. A home matchup is the best-case scenario for Nova Southeastern, as the Sharks were a perfect 6-0 at home in 2022.

The winner of this matchup will take on the winner of No. 1 Florida Southern and No. 4 Florida Tech on Sunday, Nov. 6. The time is to be determined.

For complete coverage of Monday’s action, visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com, or follow the Sharks on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.

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