Spartans Drop Season Opener In Overtime

COLUMBUS, Ga. - The No. 5 University of Tampa men's soccer team fell 2-1 to the University of Montevallo in the Spartans' season opener on Friday. The two teams battled at 1-1 for 109 minutes before the Falcons scored the game-winner with 39 seconds to go in overtime, dropping Tampa to 0-1-0 on the season.

In the closing minutes of the first half, junior midfielder Ryan Griffin put one past the UM goalkeeper Brendan Ledgeway to give UT the early lead. Sophomore Kemal Malcolm assisted Griffin on the goal to collect his first point as a Spartan.

Montevallo, however, would not go quietly, as the Falcons' Tyso Eyo evened the score at 1-1. The game remained knotted at one for over 50 minutes before Montevallo broke the deadlock and earned the victory.

Tampa head coach Adrian Bush said afterward, "The result is a reflection of the effort in the game."

"Let's see how No. 5 in the nation comes out on Sunday," he continued. The Spartans take on Georgia Southwestern on Sunday at noon to conclude their showing at the 2010 Cougar Invitational hosted by Columbus State University. Fans may sign up for eScores to receive free text message alerts following all UT events. UT athletics can also be found on Twitter and Facebook.