Robertson Nets Late Winner To Lift UW Past FGCU
Final Stats
FORT MEYERS, Fla. – No. 8 Washington made things interesting, but netted the late goal it needed to pull out a 1-0 win at Florida Gulf Coast. Mason Robertson scored the game-winner in the 85th minute to get the Dawgs a big road win to move to 5-1-0.
The game had a back-and-forth nature to it as the Dawgs looked like the dominate team at times, but allowed FGCU a fair amount of chances. Both teams finished with 14 shots, although the Dawgs had the better chances, putting 10 shots on goal to just four for the Eagles.
"I thought we played really well at times," said head coach Jamie Clark. "Then there were times when we seemed to lose our legs. It was very humid, thankfully we played at night."
Both teams had their moments in the first half as the Dawgs dominated the first part of the period, before FCGU responded. Darwin Jones was dangerous going forward and had a pair of crosses that UW was able to put on goal. One cross found the head of Cristian Roldan and it appeared headed towards the back of the net, but the FGCU goalkeeper made a nice diving save.
The Eagles also had their chances, forcing Spencer Richey into three of his four saves for the game. FGCU had one dangerous looking free kick from just outside of the box, but it harmlessly deflected off the Washington wall. At the break, FGCU had a 7-6 advantage in shots, although the Dawgs had the better chances, forcing the Eagles goalkeeper into five saves.
The second half was more of the same as both teams had some chances, but were unable to get the first goal. As the end of the half crept closer, Washington began to take control. Jones had a shot from short range that the goalkeeper blocked, while Roldan’s attempt on the rebound was also blocked. Minutes later, Robertson controlled a cross and got off a strong shot from the top of the box, but it went right at the goalkeeper.
That all led up to the 85th minute when Washington earned a corner kick. Justin Schmidt sent in a cross that was cleared and then headed back in by the Huskies. FGCU made another clearance attempt, but this time Schmidt controlled it on the right wing and chipped the ball to the back post. Awaiting the perfect cross was Robertson to bang home his fourth goal of the season and game-winner.
The game-winner was the second of the season for Robertson, who also had the equalizer and go-ahead goal last weekend against Connecticut. For his short career, Robertson now has five game-winners as he continues to establish himself as a clutch goal scorer.
"When times are tough, Mason always seems to get in the box and make something happen," said Clark. "He has the confidence to finish at the big moments."
The Husky defense picked up a shutout, doing a solid job all game against a strong FGCU attack. Schmidt and Michael Gallagher controlled play at center back and Clark subbed in freshman Justin Fiddes midway though the first half and he was effective at right back with plenty of space to use his blazing speed. The shutout was the 28th of Richey’s career as he moved into second by himself on the UW all-time list.
"Spencer did a nice job of controlling the goal and coming off his line," said Clark. "We have been talking about getting clean sheets, that is only our second of the season."
The Dawgs will continue their Florida roadtrip with a rare Sunday night game at South Florida. Washington travels to Tampa for at battle with the Bulls at 7:30 p.m. local time and 4:30, PT.