Cardoso Penalty Kick Seals Tampa Victory in Extra Time

Tampa, Fla.- Ricardo Cardoso scored on a penalty kick four minutes into extra time on Sunday afternoon to give the Spartans a 2-1 victory over Christian Brothers University. Tampa moves to 3-1 on the season while Christian Brothers drops their second game of the Tampa Classic Tournament, falling to 3-2 in the young campaign.

The match stayed scoreless into the final five minutes of regulation with both teams struggling to get a quality chance on goal. Brenden Ross broke the tie for Christian Brothers in the 88th minute, heading a cross from Joshua Menard past Tampa's keeper to give the Bucs the 1-0 lead with less than three minutes to play.

The Spartans refused to concede the loss, as Kevin Sierra launched a perfect long ball from the Tampa back line to find an eager Cardoso waiting just outside the 18-yard box. A quick move put him in shooting position, firing a rocket into the bottom right corner to put Tampa back on terms with about a minute remaining in regulation.

Neither club could manage another attempt on goal prior to full time, sending the match into extra time. Tampa was provided a chance at victory in the 94th minute after a penalty was awarded to the Spartans following a hand ball in the Bucs' area. Cardoso got the nod from Coach Bush, and buried it past the Christian Brothers keeper to capture the victory for the Spartans.

Cardoso scored both goals for the Spartans to increase his team-leading total to three on the season. Sierra added an assist in the win, bringing his season total to two. Kevin St. John turned in another solid performance in net for the Spartans, allowing just the one goal while making four saves.

The Spartans are on the road for their next match, traveling to West Palm Beach on Friday to take on Palm Beach Atlantic. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.