#9 Tampa Falls Short Versus Eckerd

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 9 University of Tampa (6-3, 1-1 SSC) men's soccer team suffered a 2-1 setback versus Eckerd College (5-3, 2-1 SSC) in a Sunshine State Conference meeting from Pepin Stadium.

"I want our players to soak in the number-nine ranking all night tonight," says head coach Adrian Bush. "The reality is, rankings do not win ballgames in the SSC."

The first half was evenly played, with neither team posing a legitimate scoring threat. The shots were knotted at five apiece, with the Tritons recording a late shot on goal.

UT opened the second half with the game's first scoring opportunity, but had a penalty kick sail high of the Eckerd goal. The Tritons answered with goals in the 55th and 58th minutes from Kiki Gonzales and George Marchant.

The Spartans refused to quit, pressing the Eckerd offensive zone in the final 20 minutes of play. Lister Warren cut the lead in half as he netted the lone Spartan goal at 81:49. Matt Karn was credited with the assist.

UT outshot Eckerd 15-14, with the Tritons owning a 5-2 advantage on shots on goal. Spartan keeper David Niepel finished with a pair of saves.

"This was an embarrassing performance and Eckerd deserved the win tonight," comments Bush. "We find out Saturday night at Barry what we are made of."

The Spartans now look forward to a trip to Miami Shores where it will meet defending SSC tournament champion Barry University on Saturday at 7 p.m. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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