Spartans Drop Home Opener to Queens

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 24 University of Tampa women's soccer team was upset by Queens University of Charlotte on Friday night by a final score of 2-1. UT provided a full-effort as they totaled 18 shots, however four reached target. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Queens (N.C.) 2, No. 24 Tampa 1

Records: Tampa Spartans (1-1-1), Queens (N.C.) (2-1-0)

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla. 

All-time Series: Queens lead 1-0-1.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | The Royals broke the deadlocked tie in the 20th minute with a rocket by Lulu Phan from about 25 yards out. Sloppy play in the middle third gave Phan an opportunity to bring the ball into the attacking third, where she had enough time to gather herself and ripped a laser over the head of Megan Bromwell. The Spartans had several opportunities in the half, including multiple free kicks taken by Nastasia Asgedom. Elena Barr evened the game on a slight flick, off a cross from Kaylyn Burroughs. The freshman from Melbourne, Barr, netted the first goal of her career.

2nd Half | Queens took the lead in the 55th minute on a penalty kick by Charlotte Ring. The penalty was granted on a sliding tackle from Reni Taiwo. Tampa applied pressure throughout the second half, by racking up three corner kicks and a few free kicks. Lacy Nasello had the best chance of the half when she corralled the ball in space outside the 18 yard box. With the time and space, Nasello laced a fire-cracker off her right foot and nailed the cross-bar. Bromwell stepped up for UT in the 84th minute when the Royals were granted a penalty kick. The Spartans' netminder stone-walled Emma Rose Stockton to keep UT within one score. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa out-shot Queens 18-6, but each team had four shots on goal.
• Asgedom led with a game-high four shots.  
• Taylor Koester was charged with a yellow card in the 55th minute.

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa will host Lenoir-Rhyne on Sunday at 11 a.m. at Pepin Stadium || 417 North Boulevard, Tampa, Fla. 33606

Tickets: General Admission ticket prices for all Tampa regular season athletic events are $5. Youth (ages 12 and under) are admitted free of charge. Students and faculty/staff are admitted free with a valid UT ID. 

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