Tampa Takes Down Montevallo In South Regional

TAMPA, Fla. - In the first game of the NCAA South Region Tournament, the #11 University of Tampa men's soccer team took down Montevallo 1-0. With the win, the Spartans avenged last season's South Regional loss to the Falcons in which Tampa fell in penalty kicks.

After a scoreless first half that saw Tampa goalkeeper Ryan Thompson make three saves and the Falcons' David Esser make two, Tampa was awarded a corner kick in the 77th minute. Defender Kyle Williams headed the cross from leading point-getter Pascal Milien into the back of the net to notch the game's only goal, giving the Spartans the lead and the victory.

The assist gave Milien 16 on the season, tying the school record set by Peter Johansson in 1982.

On his way to his eighth shutout of the season, Thompson finished the match with six saves, including three on two-time NCAA II South Region Player of the Year, John Maloney. Thompson also surpassed former UT goalkeeper Tom Graham's season saves record of 95 set in 1981. He now has 98 saves on the season. Esser finished the contest with three saves.

The South Region finals will take place on Sunday against the winner of Friday afternoon's matchup of West Florida and Lynn.