Defense Lifts #11 Tampa Over #1 Lynn In South Regional Finals

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 11 University of Tampa Spartans (17-3-1) defeated the No. 1 Lynn University Fighting Knights (18-2-0) in Sunday's NCAA South Region final by a score of 3-2. The win advances Tampa to the NCAA II quarterfinals next weekend where they will look to continue their run at a national title.

"You have to give credit to Lynn and the outstanding group of seniors," says head coach Adrian Bush. "To achieve what they have in the last four years is incredible. They are a fantastic team and have a lot to be proud of. They left everything on that field today in what was another SSC classic."

After falling to Lynn in last weekend's conference finals 4-0, the Spartans took control in the first half, holding the Fighting Knights scoreless and notching three goals of their own.

Junior Pascal Milien, Tampa's leading goal scorer, put UT on the board in the fifth minute when a through ball from freshman Mike Bethel caught Milien breaking past the defense. He buried the ball behind Lynn's Adam Alcock to give Tampa a 1-0 lead.

Just under eight minutes later, defender Dan Ingvarsson took a free kick from the top of the box to increase the lead to two. With minutes to go before halftime, Ingavarsson registered his second free kick goal of the match, this time from 35 yards out, to give the Spartans a 3-0 lead.

The first-half scoring would be enough for the Spartans as Ryan Thompson made six saves in the second half, seven total, to hold down the victory. Goals from Lynn's Tyrell Burgess and Lee Porter wouldn't be enough to overtake Tampa, as the Spartans held on for the 3-2 win.

In knocking off the national number one team, Tampa will next square off in the NCAA II quarterfinals.

"I can't say enough about our players and how they responded today," says Bush. "We came in with a different formation which I think caught Lynn off guard and they made some very good adjustments at halftime. Dan Ingvarsson was the difference today not only with his set pieces but he was all over the field from the opening whistle. We live to see another day and play another great team in Tusculum next weekend, they have 20 wins on the year already and are loaded with talent."

2008 NCAA South Regional all-tournament team
Pascal Milien
Ryan Thompson
Dan Ingvarsson
Kyle Williams
Ryan Maxwell
Lee Porter
Kyle Conrad
Nano Short
Tyrell Burgess
Jonathan Maloney
Nolan Intermoia

Most Outstanding Offensive Player: Pascal Milien
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Ryan Thompson