No. 20 Flagler Shuts Out Tampa 2-0

TAMPA, Fla. – The Spartans took on the Flagler Saints for the first time since the 2017 season.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: No. 20 Flagler Saints 2, Tampa Spartans 0

Record: Tampa (7-6-1) , Flagler (11-2-1)

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla.

All-time series: In the short history between the two teams, UT leads the series 3-1.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: Megan Hessel had her second start at goalie against Flagler and logged three saves in the fifth and eight and 11th minute. Katherine Hostage had the first shot on goal, denied by the Saint's keeper (7"). While the Spartan defense was holding strong, a foul awarded a free-kick to the Saints; the shot got past Hessel moving the score to 1-0 (16"). Hassle continued to give her team a chance with another two saves (21")(22"). After a yellow card on Quinn Knapp for unsporting (26'), the Spartan attack picked up speed. Hostage had another shot on goal to the top left of the net (28") and Knapp was awarded two free-kicks (37") (43"). Hessel continued to hold off the Saints with one more save (39") putting her at 6 saves for the half. Just before the clock buzzed Brooke Steigerwalt took a shot on goal but the ball was saved (44"). The half ended 1-0, Saints. 

SECOND HALF: The Tampa offense wasted no time with the first shot off the foot of Madison McElhone (47"). After some time the Spartan defense could no longer hold off Flagler's attack and the Saints scored, sending the ball to the back center of the net (60"). Hessel fought back with three more saves (62")(63") (80"). After multiple fouls and free kicks giving to both sides the Spartans were unable to respond to the Saints two goals. The match ended 2-0. 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• The Saints outshot the Spartans 12-6 in the first half and 7-3 in the second half for a total of 19-9.

• Hessel had a total of 10 saves in this match, a career-high. She is now at 17 saves for the season. 

• Two Tampa players were given a yellow card Knapp (26") and Michelle Kanaskie (80").

• Tampa had nine shots on goal, while Flagler had 12. 

UP NEXT: The Spartans will host their Senior Night on Saturday, October 30th and will face off against the Florida Tech Panthers at 7 p.m. 

GAMEDAY MULTIMEDIA: Fans may watch all home games and Sunshine State Conference contests on TampaSpartans.tv. Live stats are also available through TampaStats.com.

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