Spartans Prepare for Senior Night

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team will look to finish the 2018 season on a high-note when they face off against Saint Leo on Tuesday evening. This final match of the regular season will also be an opportunity to recognize our senior class. 

The Matchup: University of Tampa Spartans (2-7-4, 2-6-1 SSC) vs. Saint Leo Lions (3-12-0, 0-9-0 SSC)

Date/Time: Tuesday, October 22 at 7 p.m.

Location: Pepin Stadium | Tampa, Fla. | 417 North Boulevard, Tampa, Fla. 33606

Last Time Out: On Saturday evening, the Spartans drew 2-2 against No. 15 Florida Tech in the final road match of the year. Juancho Fernandez tallied his sixth goal of the season which gave UT a first half lead. In the second half, the Panthers rallied off two goals in 15 minutes to grab the 2-1 advantage. In the 79nd minute, Rojay Smith danced past some defenders and lofted a cross into the 18 yard box, where Till Neumann settled the ball off his chest and finished an acrobatic bicycle kick to equalize the match. It was the first draw in SSC play for UT despite five conference matches reaching extra time.

About the Spartans: The Spartans have dealt with an unforunate schedule as they've played in eight overtime matches, the most since 1989. All of Tampa's matches have been decided by a single goal or less. The last game decided by two or more goals came against the University of South Florida in an August exhibition. Jake Richards leads the Sunshine State Conference with 65 saves in 13 games played. The junior from Bedworth, England has etched his name in the UT record books as Richards moved into seventh place all-time with 166 career saves in 42 appearances. He also ranks fourth all-time with 18 victories. Fernandez, following his sixth goal of the year, is tied with Marcel Salokat for the team-lead. Salokat leads the team in points as he's registered three assists on the year. 

About the Lions: Saint Leo is winless in conference play this season, and they fell 4-2 to No. 19 Barry University on Saturday evening. Freshman mid-fielder Noah Nixon found the back of the net for the first time in his colleigate career. Elias Niesigk, a graduate student from Germany, leads the Lions attack with six goals scored and four assists. Saint Leo uses a committee at goal-keeper as Christian Evans and Wessel Berenschot have spilt the starts in net. They've flip-flopped starters in each of the last six games with Evans getting the nod against No. 19 Barry.

Series History: Tampa holds a commanding lead on the series as they've won 34 matches compared to only 13 losses. In 47 matches, the two programs have never ended in a tie. Last year, UT defeated Saint Leo 3-0 on the road.

Tickets: General admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. UT students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid Spartan ID.

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