Spartans Finish Florida Tech on Homecoming

UT scores pair early and nets game-winner with minutes remaining.

Spartans Finish Florida Tech on Homecoming

Team Stats

October 21, 2017
TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team scored a pair of first-half goals and broke a late tie to register a Sunshine State Conference victory over visiting Florida Tech.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 3, Florida Tech 2
Records: Tampa Spartans (6-3-2, 5-2-2 SSC), Florida Tech Panthers (9-3, 6-2 SSC)
Location: Pepin Stadium | Tampa, Fla.
All-time Series: Tampa holds a 35-15-5 record in the all-time series with the Panthers. The Spartans have now won three straight in the series.
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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | It was all Tampa in the opening half, with senior Felipe DeSousa getting the scoring started just over seven minutes into the contest. Bay Downing assisted the score. The Spartans would extend their lead to 2-0 when Viktor Strand netted his first goal of the season in the 32nd minute. Markus Woldsund was credited with the assist. Tampa outshot Florida Tech 6-4 in the half, with four of the Spartans shots being on target.
2nd Half | The Panthers showed why they are one of the SSC's top teams, scoring two second-half goals to even the score at 2-2. The Panthers scored in the 59th and 77th minute. DeSousa would get the final strike, scoring the game-winner in the 88th minute from fellow senior Romario Grant.
 
INSIDE THE STATS:
  • Eight Spartan seniors were honored before the game. Among those recognized were John Bentham, Monty Berrow, Felipe DeSousa, Bay Downing, Romario Grant, Diego Ornelas, Zack Soufl and Richard Trench.
  • The match was also part of UT Homecoming festivities, with a new king and queen announced at the half.
  • A large group of men's soccer alumni were in attendance and were also recognized at halftime.
  • Florida Tech outshot the Spartans 16-8,
  • Shots on goal were 7-6 in favor of the Panthers.
  • DeSousa recorded his first two-goal game as a Spartan. He has now scored in two straight games.
  • Strand registered his first goal with Tampa.
  • Goalkeeper Jake Richards picked up the win, finishing with five saves.
  • The Panthers held a 6-2 advantage in corners.
  • Fouls were 13-11 in favor of Tampa. A total of five yellow cards were issued.
  • The Spartans are now a perfect 5-0 at home this season, scoring 14 goals at Pepin Stadium. 
UP NEXT:
Tampa travels to Saint Leo University on Wednesday at 7 p.m., to meet the Lions in the final regular season SSC match.
 
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