Tampa Scores Late to Take Down Florida Southern 1-0 in SSC Matchup

LAKELAND, Fla. – The University of Tampa women's soccer team took down Florida Southern College 1-0 at Barnett Field on Wednesday evening. Robyn-Anne Whittaker and Nastasia Asgedom combined to score the second half goal that gave UT the victory.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Tampa 1, Florida Southern 0

Records: Tampa (3-6, 2-2 SSC), Florida Southern (1-3-1, 1-2 SSC)

Location: Barnett Field | Lakeland, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa holds a record of 19-7-2 against FSC

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | In the first 15 minutes of play, it was Tampa who had more of the ball and played on the FSC end of the field with the better opportunities to go up on the scoreboard and the Mocs only having one real shot on the Tampa end. With just under 30 minutes to go in the half, Whittaker was able to run into the box and round the keeper but her cross back into the center of the box found no teammates. After that, both sides settled down and began going back and forth in the middle of the field looking to build on their play. With 15 minutes to go until the break, the Mocs Jess Goedde took a shot from distance that UT keeper Caroline Frykgard was able to tip up and catch and avoid any trouble. The Spartans built some momentum going into the break as they had shots go above the goal and at the keeper that left the match scoreless at halftime.

2nd Half | The momentum that Tampa had to end the first half was evident as just one minute in, Asgedom took a shot that went just wide of the goal. Shortly after Whittaker and Gabby Scirica had back to back shots that were straight at the keeper. UT kept dictating the pace and having more of the ball as they looked like the team that wanted the victory more and it paid off as after a series of plays that kept the ball on the Florida Southern half, Whittaker was able to take the ball and set her teammate Asgedom free on the left side of the box. Asgedom did not hesitate to take her chance and shot the ball into the back of the net as the Spartans bench celebrated along with the team on the field. The goal woke up the home side as they had four shots in the final ten minutes that kept Frykgard on her toes as she was helped out by a back line of Lauren Cicero, Sarah Raymond, Lacy Nasello, and Ali Robinson that had blocks and key interceptions to hold off the attack.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Whittaker recorded her first assist of the season as she set Asgedom up for the goal that would end up being the difference maker.
• Tampa had the advantage in shots on goal (9-7), total shots (17-11), and corner kicks (10-3).
• The Spartans handed PBA their first home loss of the season, as the Mocs had their first three home games postponed due to weather. 

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• The Spartans have now won two straight conference matches after dropping the first two close conference matches.
• Asgedom has scored two game-winning goals this season to lead the team.

UP NEXT:

The Spartans will host Embry-Riddle on Saturday, Oct. 1st at home for a regional matchup. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. The Eagles last played on Saturday, Sept. 24 as they defeated Eckerd 3-0 in Daytona Beach, Fla.

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