AT A GLANCE
FMU Lions (0-1) at Ave Maria Gyrenes (1-0)
When: Saturday, September 19, 2020
Where: Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Fla. | Gyrene Field
Kickoff: 11 a.m.
Last Meeting: Sept. 5, 2020, Loss 0-1
Live Stream: https://thesundigitalnetwork.com/avemariagyrenes/
Live Stats: https://avemariagyrenes.com/sidearmstats/msoc/summary
 
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Florida Memorial University will face Ave Maria University on Saturday in a rematch of the Lions' season-opening loss.
 
The game is set to kickoff at 11 a.m. at Gyrenes Field and will be the opening salvo in what is a tri-sport tripleheader between the two programs. FMU's men's soccer team will take the field first, followed by the women's soccer team at 2 p.m., and ending with a 7 p.m. football game between the Lions and Gyrenes.
 
Ave Maria knocked off the Lions two weeks ago after Cade Williams was able to sneak a goal past FMU goalkeeper Kenan Ainge in the 66th minute, setting up the 1-0 final score.

Even with the narrow loss – which was deemed a non-conference match – it was an encouraging performance for Florida Memorial and first-year head coach Connor Campbell.
 
When the Lions make the trip up Ave Maria this weekend, they'll be expecting to take the win and even the season series with the Gyrenes – and their own record – to 1-1.
 
FMU has had the benefit of extra time to look at the mistakes they made in the first matchup and practice on the things they need to adjust. One bright spot was the defense. They played well during the first matchup and Ainge saved four of the 10 total shots (5 shots on goal) taken in the first meeting. 
 
In order to come away with a win on Saturday, which will count in the conference standings, Florida Memorial will be looking to be more creative in the final third and turn their offensive chances into shots and eventually goals.
 
FMU had just one shot on goal – four total shots – in the first game and will need to finish in order to win a defensive battle if the game followed a similar rhythm. If they can continue to play a great defensive game against Ave Maria and convert their shots, the Lions will be able to succeed and make an instant impact. 

Expect them to try to push into the final third as quickly as possible and get off to a hot start with their forwards.
 
Campbell mentioned on the "In The Den Podcast" that he wants his team to get creative in the final third. If they can get there and have some dominance there, the Lions should be able to make an impact and improve to 1-1.