UT Hits Road and Defeats Defending National Champs

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans opened Sunshine State Conference play with a crucial victory . over defending national champion Barry University.

MATCHUP:

Final: Tampa 2, Barry 1

Records: Tampa Spartans (3-2, 1-0 SSC), Barry Buccaneers (1-4, 0-1 SSC)

Location: Buccaneer Field || Miami Shores, Fla. 

All-Time Series: The Spartans now lead the all-time series by a mark of 23-14-3. 

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half || UT's Omar Thali broke the deadlock with the game's first goal . in the 26th minute. Teammates Mike Schessl and Tiago Capela assisted on the score. The Buccaneers quickly evened the score when Ivan Arenas scored in the 30th minute.

2nd Half || The Spartans took the lead for good in the 67th minute when Rojay Smith scored from Marcus Menniti.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Starting his first match as a Spartan, Capela earned the win while turning away six shots by the Bucs.
• Smith had a team-high four shots, including two on target.
• Both teams had 12 shots, with the Bucs holding a slight 7-6 edge in shots on goal.

UP NEXT: The Spartans return home to play host to Eckerd at 7 p.m., on Wednesday.

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