Tampa Scores Four Unanswered Goals to Upset #1 Lynn
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team (6-3, 2-1) scored four unanswered goals against top-ranked Lynn University (9-1, 2-1) to overcome an early two goal deficit for its sixth win of the season.
The Fighting Knights opened the scoring in the 10th minute when Gabe Taboada fed a ball to Keishen Bean behind the Tampa defense. Bean then shot the ball into the open net to give Lynn the early 1-0 lead.
Taboada connected on another lead pass to Bean in the 27th minute to put the freshman striker in perfect position to score his second goal of the match to extend the Lynn lead to 2-0.
The Spartans refused to concede to the top-ranked Fighting Knights so early in the match, connecting on their first goal when Clevon George accepted a free kick from Dan Ingvarsson and put a blast past the Lynn keeper to cut the lead to 2-1.
Carlos Mora put the Spartans back on terms in the 43rd minute, taking a perfect cross from Ryan Maxwell and putting it into the net to tie the match at 2-2.
The momentum continued in Tampa's favor into the 52nd minute when Lynn was called for a hand ball in its penalty area, giving the Spartans a penalty kick. Kevin Sierra stepped up for Tampa and hit a blast into the left side of the net to give Tampa a 3-2 lead. Ricardo Cardoso added a goal, his fourth of the season, in the 85th minute to clinch the upset for Tampa.
"I felt it was an excellent three days of preparation," said Coach Adrian Bush. "This will not make our season, but it is a show of character to be down to the number one team and battle back."
Sierra shared a similar sentiment following the match. "We knew we had it in us and that we needed to fight back. I've been here for four years and have never beaten them. It feels good to finally beat a team ranked number one in the nation."
George and Cardoso each scored a goal in the match, remaining tied for the team lead in that category. Kevin St. John played the full 90 minutes in net for the Spartans, allowing two goals and making one save against one of the top offensive teams in the nation.
The Spartans return to the pitch next Saturday as they travel to Fort Lauderdale to take on #8 Nova Southeastern in a Sunshine State Conference matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 pm.
Team Stats
Game Statistics | Lynn | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Shots (on goal) | 13 (3) | 15 (7) |
Saves | 3 | 1 |
Fouls | 20 | 27 |
Corner Kicks | 8 | 4 |
Offsides | 4 | 4 |
Nova Southeastern
Game Statistics | Tampa | Nova Southeastern |
---|---|---|
Shots (on goal) | 14 (11) | 8 (6) |
Saves | 2 | 10 |
Fouls | 4 | 3 |
Corner Kicks | 2 | 4 |
Offsides | 1 | 3 |