Tampa Opens Conference Play with Blowout Victory

TAMPA, FLA. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team opened conference play with a blowout win against Embry-Riddle.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 5, Embry-Riddle 1

Records: Tampa 3-2, Embry-Riddle 2-3-1

Location: Pepin Stadium | Tampa, Fla

All-time series: The Spartans hold an impressive 8-2-2 lead over the Eagles in the overall series.

Follow Us: @TampaSpartans on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: The game began with early pressure by the Spartans. Omar Thali recorded a team leading four shots, with two on goal in the first half. In total, the Spartans shot 17 times in the half, and held the Eagles to just two shots. With the Spartans' great defensive play, the matchup was tied at zero headed into the half. Score: 0-0 Tie

SECOND HALF: The second half opened with Ornaldo Zeqiri finding Juancho Fernandez in front of the net less than one minute into play. Just three minutes later, the captain netted a second goal on a penalty kick. The Spartan offense continued to erupt, with Ornaldo Zeqiri and Travis Foster finding the back of the net one minute apart from each other. Foster recorded another goal in the 63^rd minute to build the Spartans' lead to 5 goals. The Eagles got on the board in the 72^nd minute, bringing the score to 5-1. Overall, the Eagles' offense just could not solve the Spartans' defense. Final: 5-1 Tampa

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Jauncho Fernandez and Travis Foster both netted two goals
• Tampa outshot Embry-Riddle 26-3, and 14-2 on goal
• Zach Bahr started in goal tonight for the Spartans

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel to Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday to take on the Sailfish at 6p.m.