MELBOURNE, Fla. – Sara Sandberg's goal in the eighth minute propelled the Flagler College women's soccer team to a 1-0 win over Florida Tech in the 2019 season opener for both sides Saturday evening at Rick Stottler Field.
 
Sandberg, the Saints' leading returning goal scorer from a season ago, connected off an assist from Concepcion Sanchez just over seven minutes into the match to put Flagler ahead to stay. 
 
Goalkeeper Sarah-Lisa Dubel kept the Panthers at bay the rest of the way, recording the 14th clean sheet of her career. She made two saves in a full 90 minutes of action. 
 
Flagler (1-0-0) controlled much of the flow throughout, posting a 17-8 advantage in shots while holding Florida Tech (0-1-0) to just three shots in the final 45 minutes. Sandberg paced Flagler with four shots, three of which were on frame. Nowotny and Brin Wexler registered three shots apiece for the Saints.

Maria Munoz led the Panthers with three shots, one of which was on frame.

Miranda Choplin and Maria Sanchez Recuero split time in goal for Florida Tech. Choplin had two saves while Sanchez Recuero added three more.  
 
The Saints will take a week off before returning to action next Saturday (Sept. 14) when they travel to Lynn University for a 6 p.m. tilt.

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