Tampa Defense No Match For West Florida Attack

Tampa, Fla. - The University of Tampa Spartans played the whole night looking to prove their season-opening win wasn't a fluke, but their efforts fell short as they lost to the West Florida Argonauts 4-0. Tampa falls to 1-1 on the season with the loss while West Florida improves to 2-1.

Tampa found itself playing from behind early, as Jimmy McHenry took a perfect cross into the area from Keith Savage and put it in the back of the net to put the Argonauts up 1-0 in the 8th minute. The Spartans' night took another turn for the worse in the 24th minute when miscommunication in the back led to an own goal, giving West Florida a 2-0 lead. West Florida scored two more goals in the next ten minutes to build a 4-0 lead heading into the half, a lead they would keep until the end of the match.

The Spartan attack was virtually nonexistent in the match, with a smattering of good chances that came mostly in the second half as Tampa outshot the Argonauts 12-10 in the match despite being shut out.

"I'm disappointed in the effort, and it has to be better. I'm pleased with the second half, and I give all the credit in the world to West Florida. The key is to have the drive not to quit, and it's also how you respond when it's not going well," said a somber Coach Bush after the match.

The Spartans return to the pitch next Thursday against C.W. Post looking to turn their young season around with a win. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm.