Spartans Top Barry on Senior Night
Final | 1 | 2 | T |
---|---|---|---|
Barry (5-9-1, 0-6-1 SSC) | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Tampa (9-5, 5-2 SSC) | 2 | 0 | 2 |
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team (9-5, 5-2 SSC) defeated Sunshine State Conference rival Barry (5-9-1, 0-6-1 SSC) by a score of 2-1 on senior night behind a pair of goals from two of its graduating seniors.
The Spartans took an early lead just a minute and a half into the match when Ricardo Cardoso connected for his team-leading eighth goal of the season, giving the Spartans a 1-0 lead. Senior midfielder Heyden Ayure scored his first goal of the season, and the first of his collegiate career, in the 39th minute off a corner from Pascal Milien, extending the Spartan lead to 2-0 heading into the half.
Barry cut Tampa's lead to 2-1 after Henry Apaloo converted a penalty kick in the 69th minute following a Tampa foul in the penalty area.
"Our failure to finish opportunities makes these games tougher than they should be," said Coach Adrian Bush after the Spartans outshot the Bucs 26-14, but could only manage the two goals.
Clevon George recorded his fourth assist of the season on Cardoso's early score, putting him into a three-way tie for the team lead with Milien and Ryan Maxwell. Cardoso extended his team lead in goals to two with his eighth of the season. The goal also moves him into a tie for 14th all-time in Spartan history with 22 in his two year career.
Ryan Thompson got his first win of the campaign, allowing the one goal and making five saves to lead the Spartans to their ninth victory of the season.
"Barry is a good team, and we are glad to get the victory," added Bush following the Spartans' 2-1 win.
Tampa returns to the pitch next Friday night to close out its regular season on the road against Eckerd. Game time is scheduled for 7 pm in St. Petersburg.
Team Stats
Game Statistics | Barry | Tampa |
---|---|---|
Shots (on goal) | 14 (6) | 26 (9) |
Saves | 7 | 5 |
Fouls | 23 | 16 |
Corner Kicks | 5 | 1 |
Offsides | 2 | 3 |