Tampa Hosts Florida Tech for SSC Opener on Military Appreciation Day

Tampa Hosts Florida Tech for SSC Opener on Military Appreciation Day
March 17, 2025

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 1 Spartans host their first Sunshine State Conference game of the season, as Florida Tech visits Tampa for Military Appreciation Day this Saturday night, March 22, at 7:30 pm.

The Matchup: No. 1 University of Tampa (9-0, 0-0 SSC) vs. Florida Tech (3-4, 0-0 SSC)

Date/Time: Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 7:30 p.m.

Location:  Naimoli Family Athletic and Intramural Complex. 1120 West North A Street, Tampa, FL 33606

Series History: Tampa has dominated the all-time series against Florida Tech, holding a commanding 20-1 record, including 12 straight victories over the Panthers.

About the Spartans: Tampa opened its 2025 season with a 15-6 victory over Florida Tech in Melbourne, where Davis Lindsey recorded six assists, the third-most in any SSC game this season. The Spartans are coming off a 12-8 win over the University of Indianapolis, where goalie Connor Theriault recorded six saves, bringing his season save percentage to .614, the highest in the conference. Meanwhile, Ryan Kemp leads the SSC with 26 goals this season, averaging just under three goals per game. The win over UIndy marked Tampa's ninth consecutive victory this season. The Spartans maintain an impressive 25-1 record dating back to February 2024, with their only loss coming in the NCAA Semifinals.

About the Panthers: Florida Tech has started the season 3-4, with their first loss of the year coming against Tampa on February 1. The Panthers have received votes in the USILA weekly national rankings in the preseason and from February 12-24. Their 23 goals and 15 assists against Lees-McRae are both the highest in an SSC-affiliated game this season. Additionally, goalie Jax Francisco's 19 saves against Alabama-Huntsville last week are the most by any SSC player this season. Three of Florida Tech's four losses have come against top-20 teams, including No. 1 Tampa, No. 5 Wingate, and No. 17 Mercy. They also face No. 13 Colorado Mesa this week before traveling to Tampa.