Tampa Defeats Eckerd in Defensive Struggle

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 16 University of Tampa (5-2) women's soccer team defeated Eckerd College (2-2) by a score of 1-0 on Saturday night at Pepin Stadium.

"I am extremely proud of our effort tonight," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "We pushed ourselves hard against a resolute Eckerd team and produced the win we were seeking. Even though the win was just by a single goal, our performance was fantastic and deserved a few more goals. Their keeper had a career night and pulled off a highlight reel of saves. On a different occasion we would've scored a half dozen goals."

The Spartans and Tritons played a defensive battle throughout the first half, as the match had no score going into the second half.

Cici Gonzalez registered the lone goal in the game in minute 47. Gonzalez now has seven total goals on the season.

"The crowd was tremendous tonight and helped elevate the players game," says Lucey. "A number of UT teams were present. Hopefully we will see them again pushing out team to achieve extraordinary feats along the way."

Tampa controlled the game on offense for much of the game. UT women recorded 12 shots on goal to Eckerd's zero.

Overall the Spartans took 33 shots with Gonzalez leading the way with 10 total shots, while Eckerd had only five shots throughout the game.

"The (Sunshine State) conference is proving yet again to be full of surprises," states Lucey. "We need to be on top of our game to finish where we'd like."

UT will be back in action on the road on Wednesday, Sep. 19, at 5 p.m., in St. Leo University soccer stadium.

The Spartans will return home on Saturday, Sep. 22, to play Barry University with a 5 p.m., game time.

Live stats and an audio broadcast for the home game will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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