Spartans Swarmed By Nighthawks

DAHLONEGA, Ga. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team continued their season opening road trip Thursday night, this time squaring up against the Nighthawks of North Georgia. After the final whistle had sounded at UNG Soccer Complex, UT just fell short dropping the contest 2-1.

Tampa came out looking flat in the first half, playing like a team playing its third game in a seven-day span. The Spartans looked to utilize the whole pitch spreading out wide using a more methodical approach. This strategy in addition to timely defense helped them control the match in the early goings.

However, North Georgia's high-pressure offense and precise shooting earned them a 2-0 lead heading into the half as they placed five of their seven shots on net.

The Spartans came out playing inspired soccer in the second half. Tampa would continue their spread wide approach, but included elements of their up-tempo pace to create as many opportunities as possible to get back in the game. Bay Downing did just that for his squad at the 87-minute mark sacrificing his body in the box to put a ball past the keeper for his first goal of the season. The side looked to notch an equalizer and almost did on several occasions following several key set piece opportunities late in the match.

Nighthawks keeper Victor Ohlin and his six saves were ultimately the difference denying every attempt by Tampa to register an equalizing goal. The UNG senior made save after save keeping his team ahead in the final moments of the match

When asked about what positives he saw from the team Coach Adrian Bush said, "I felt there were a lot of positive things to take away from the match to grow from moving forward."

On how the team faced adversity of being plagued by injuries and trailing on the road. Bush said," Injuries are a part of the every team, you have to have a next man up mentality, but I'm very pleased with what we saw from guys that came in late tonight." Bush went on to say "we need to carry that mentality into our next match against a tough Clayton State team."

The Spartans move on to their next stop on their road trip to Morrow, Ga to take on Clayton State September 12. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET live stats, and video coverage will be available for fans.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/tampaspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.