#10 Spartans Fall to #2 Lynn in Conference Finals

BOCA RATON, Fla. - The No. 10 University of Tampa men's soccer team fell to 2nd-ranked Lynn University 4-0 in the Sunshine State Conference Finals on Sunday. The loss brings the Spartans' record to 15-3-1 on the season, while the Knights improve to 17-1.

The match opened with intense play from both sides, as it featured 12 of the 23 players named to the all-Sunshine State Conference squad on the field.

Lynn opened scoring in the 23rd minute when they were granted a free kick in the Tampa end. Tyrell Burgess' cross found defender Lee Porter in front, who headed it in the net to give the Knights a 1-0 lead.

The early deficit proved costly for the Spartans as their comeback bid was thwarted by three more Lynn goals. At the start of the second half, senior Jean Alexandre, SSC Offensive Player of the Year, put the ball past the Spartan goalkeeper Ryan Thompson, SSC Defender of the Year, to stretch the lead to two.

Goals by Gabe Taboada and Kyle Conrad put the score at 4-0 to seal the loss.

Lynn took home their eighth conference title with the win. The postseason continues for the Spartans, however, when they return to Boca Raton later this week for the NCAA South Regional hosted by Lynn.

Four Spartans were named to the SSC all-tournament team.

All-Tournament Team:

Eusebio Montoya, Saint Leo
Ryan Thompson, Tampa
Kyle Williams, Tampa
Pascal Milien, Tampa
Ryan Maxwell, Tampa
John Fletcher, Eckerd
Nano Short, Lynn
Tyrell Burgess, Lynn
Lee Porter, Lynn
Joe Buppert, Lynn

Most Outstanding Player: Jean Alexandre