Eagles Claim Slim Victory Over Spartans

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer team traveled to Dayton Beach, Fla. on Wednesday night to take on the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Eagles. The lone goal of the match came in the first half as the Eagles came out on top 1-0 over the Spartans

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 0, Embry Riddle 1
Records: Spartans (5-4-1, 2-4 SSC), Eagles (4-4-2, 2-3-2 SSC)
Location: ERAU Soccer Stadium| Tampa, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series 3-1-0 against Embry-Riddle.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | The first five minutes of the match were evenly played as neither team really threaten, with the Eagles having the first chance of the game and Caroline Frykgard making the save. The Spartans began to build on their possession and had a couple of chances on the offensive end led by Robyn-Anne Whittaker but the final touch eluded them and they weren't able to threaten the keeper. 13 minutes into the match, UT had their first shot as Sarah Raymond took a shot from the top of the box but it went high over the crossbar. Twenty minutes into the game, Embry-Riddle threatened to take the lead as they had back to back corner kicks but Tampa held their ground and cleared the danger. Seven minutes later, the best chance of the game for either side came on another corner by the home side as the ball flew into the middle of the box and the Eagles attacker was free to head it towards goal but Frykgard got to the ball and stopped it. With thirty minutes gone, the visiting side was the one that had the chance to take the lead as Whittaker used her speed to beat the defense to the ball and sprint into the box. Her hard-hit shot ricochet off the keeper and Ashley Loeza sent the follow-up shot high over the bar. Lacy Nasello tried her luck from distance shortly after but the attempt posed no threat as the keeper held onto the ball preventing any follow-up attempts. With twelve minutes to go in the half, the Eagles took the lead as a shot by Julia Olsson from the right side of the box curved into the back of the net at the far post. With two minutes to go in the half, the Eagles were inches away from taking a 2-0 lead but Loeza cleared an attempt off the line that had gotten past a charging Frykgard. After going down on the scoreboard, Tampa did its best to pressure the defense but was unable to get any real danger near the goal.

2nd Half | UT began the second half with a burst of energy that allowed them to control the pace of the game through the first five minutes of the final half of action. Ten minutes in, Miranda Gonzalez sent in a cross from the right side that found a mix of players in the box. Unluckily for Tampa, nobody was able to get a good touch on the ball that would have meant the tying goal as the keeper was out of position on the attempt. With fifteen minutes gone in the half, ERAU began to hold onto the ball as they looked to double their lead and find some breathing room. An alert Frykgard, as well as timely plays by the defense, kept the Spartans in the game and within striking distance. With thirteen minutes to go in the game, Syd Griner had the Spartans best chance of the second half as she found herself one on one with the keeper from the top of the box. Her shot was deflected out by the keeper as UT picked up the pace searching for the tie to extend the game. Despite the visitors best efforts, the final touch on the offensive end eluded them and the Eagles were able to see out the game to claim the victory.

INSIDE THE STATS:
• Embry-Riddle held a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
• A chippy game led to 14 fouls being whistled, seven against each team.
• Both sides combined for 11 corner kicks. 

UP NEXT: The team returns to action this Saturday night as they host the Lynn University Fighting Knights for an SSC match at 7 pm. Prior to the match, the team will recognize the six seniors on the team.

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