Spartans Stun Sharks Late In Thriller
TAMPA, Fla. - The UT Spartans opened up Sunshine state Conference play against the NSU Sharks Saturday night at Pepin Stadium. Tampa notched their first SSC victory of the campaign by a score of 1-0.
Tampa looked to continue their winning ways coming off back to back victories over Clayton State and Warner College and did so thanks to a late PK by Keith Francisco. This victory improves the Spartans record to 4-2-0, (1-0) and their win streak to three games on the season.
Pay in the first half was dominated by Tampa outshooting Nova Southeaster nine to one, despite the Sharks besting them with three corners to their one. Regardless of both sides best effort the score at the half was nil-nil.
The second half was the same story as the first, but a different chapter as UT outshot NSU nine to four, and the Sharks earning more three corners to the Spartans one. The deciding factor though was the Tampa defense stepped up their intensity earning them an opportunity to launch an explosive counter-attack.
Counter-attack opportunities are exactly what the doctor ordered as the plethora of scoring chances provided the Spartans the opening needed. The stage was set at the 80-minute mark as Fredinho Mompremier was fouled in the box by Sharks keeper Taylor Bailey drawing the PK that would give UT the storybook ending to the dramatic match.
Tampa returns to action Wednesday squaring off against The Rollins College Tars. Kickoff for the match is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET, live stats and broadcast will be available for fans to follow all the action via TampaSpartans.TV
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