Spartans Fall in First Round of National Tournament

MELBOURNE, FLA. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team falls in the first round

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Lander 2, Tampa 1

Records: Tampa 7-7-3, Lander 12-3-5

Location: Rick Stottler Field | Melbourne, Fla

All-time series: The Spartans have a 5-0 lead over the Bearcats in the overall series.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: The game began with a hard fought battle between the two teams. This would be the sixth meeting between the Spartans and the Bearcats, the last one being earlier in the season. Three Spartans recorded shots in the first 45 minutes, with Carlos Ledon and Ornaldo Zeqiri recording shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper Adam Forster recorded two saves in the first half to help keep the match scoreless heading into halftime. Score: 0-0 Tie

SECOND HALF: The second half opened up with each team urgent to score. Senior Till Neumann found teammate Travis Foster in front of the net in the 80^th minute to put the Spartans in the lead. The Bearcats netted an equalizer, and another goal one minute later to put Lander in the lead. Final: 2-1 Lander

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Adam Forster started in goal for the Spartans, recording three saves
• Ornaldo Zeqiri recorded a team leading 3 shots
• Five Spartans played the full 90 minutes, Cody Wells, Sean Quinn, Nico Gamio Marcello Valbuena, and Albert Morales

On behalf of the University of Tampa Men's Soccer team, thank you for all the support this season. Go Spartans!