Spartans Defeated by Fighting Knights in SSC Matchup

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (6-4-1, 0-2 SSC) women's soccer team was defeated 1-0 by Lynn University (7-3-1, 2-2 SSC) Thursday evening. The matchup was the Sunshine State Conference opener for the Spartans.

"If ever there was a smash and grab performance we have witnessed that tonight," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We are all feeling extremely hard done after a convincing dominant performance by us. We outshot our opponent by 22-5 and had 11 corner kicks to their one."

The game went scoreless into the first half. The Spartans could not get many opportunities on offense despite a red card given to the Fighting Knight's Jackie Hellett. Jazmin Perry had two shots on goal in the first half as well.

Emelie Karstrom gave up her seventh goal of the season at minute 46 by Lynn's Melissa Ortiz. Karstrom's record now drops to 6-3-1.

"We had ample opportunities to win this game convincingly but our lack of quality in finishing has come to haunt us again," says Lucey. "Unfortunately the girls are learning the hard way about commitment to being better soccer players and what is required to reach a higher level. Our determination and effort was on display again and that is rarely faulted. However, our inability to execute set pieces is frustrating."

Tampa could not muster much offense throughout the game. Dana Palmiotto and Andrea Arnone highlighted the Spartan offense, as they would register two shots on goal each.

"We will continue to work to correct this aspect and hopefully get back on track on Sunday against an excellent Florida Tech team," continues Lucey. "We have certainly dug a hole for ourselves in conference play and we will see what character the team shows the next few days."

The Spartans will be back in action on Sunday when they will travel to Florida Tech. Live stats will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

"I must give credit to a battling Lynn team who played a man down for 65 minutes and were very committed to their cause," comments Lucey. "They did their coaches proud and I'm sure from their standpoint felt they warranted something. They scored a fantastic goal and hung on for dear life."

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