Spartans Spar with Sharks for a Draw
TAMPA, Fla.-The No. 18 University of Tampa men's soccer team and Nova Southeastern University concluded the 110 minutes of play in a draw with no goals scored on Saturday night. Tampa sits at 3-0-2 while Nova holds a 3-1-1 overall record.
"Our guys fought hard tonight and Nova is a solid team," says head coach Adrian Bush. "Sure, there is some disappointment not to get the result but I think you can tip your cap to both goalkeepers that played tonight. I felt that David (Niepel) and the NSU keeper made some key saves."
It was a hard fought defensive battle throughout the first half. Tampa outshot Nova with five shots to three. Keeper David Niepel did not see any action in the goal.
Tampa appeared to score in the 54th minute with a rocket into the back of the net, however an offsides call took back the goal.
Tampa registered the first shot on the board with a header by junior Andrew Clare, however Nova's keeper Andrea Giombetti captured the save. Soon after the Sharks followed suit with a shot on goal that Niepel was quick to snatch registering three saves in the half.
A scoreless second half sent the Sunshine State Conference opponents into overtime. An intentional handball by Nova gave Tampa the 11-10 field advantage. However, the Spartans could not convert. Again, an offsides call withdrew what appeared to be the game winning goal for the Spartans.
Despite the lack of goals, the teams played a tough physical battle recording a combined 40 fouls. In addition to the lone red card, the Sharks tallied four yellow cards with the Spartans with one.
After 110 minutes of play, the game wrapped up without a score.
"You can't get comfortable in this region and we must get our focus on Palm Beach Atlantic Tuesday," comments Bush. "They are well-coached and have the National Player of the Year forward returning from last year. Our focus is very important."
The Spartans return to action on Tuesday, September 24th at Palm Beach Atlantic University at 3 p.m. in West Palm Beach, Fla. Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.
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