Spartans Defeat USF in Fitz Fest

TAMPA, Fla. - In the annual Tom Fitzgerald Memorial Soccer Festival game, the University of Tampa defeated this year's opponent, the University of South Florida, by a score of 3-0. The game was played on Saturday evening at UT's Pepin Stadium.

"We want to thank USF for participating in this year's Tom Fitzgerald Soccer Festival," says head coach Adrian Bush. "It was a great crowd and having Tampa Bay's two collegiate programs participate really adds to the meaning of the game. We are very appreciative to all who made this event a success."

UT was led by Juancho Fernandez, who scored both of his goals in the first half. He would later assist on a second-half Rojay Smith goal. Smith would also finish with an assist. The Spartans outshot the Bulls 8-4 in the game.

"We were pleased with the team's overall performance tonight and I feel it is a reflection of the mentality and work they have put in from day one this spring," says Bush. "It was a team effort and I am happy for the players. Although there are many areas we can improve on, we are building great momentum from where we were in the fall."

Nearly 15 years ago, our community lost one of the greatest coaches and soccer ambassadors of the game, coach Tom Fitzgerald. The Soccer program at the University of Tampa created the Tom Fitzgerald Men's Soccer Endowment with the goal to one day be able to provide a scholarship opportunity for a Florida based player in Coach Fitz's name. The endowment is continuing to grow and each year we look to have a featured game where all proceeds from the match are put to the Fitz Endowment. Coach Fitzgerald had strong ties to the Tampa Bay area, playing at USF and then coaching at UT. To have both programs represented in this game is something we know Coach Fitz will be smiling upon.

For those interested in donating to the Tom Fitzgerald Men's Soccer Endowment, please visit https://utampa.networkforgood.com/causes/5816-athletics. Be sure to designate Tom Fitzgerald Scholarship.