Men’s Soccer Falls To #13 Incarnate Word

TAMPA, Fla. - A back-and-forth affair between the University of Tampa men's soccer team and No. 13 Incarnate Word finished with a 2-1 loss for UT in its home opener. The Spartans (1-2) knotted the game at 1-1 before the Cardinals (2-0) scored on a penalty kick with five minutes remaining to take the victory.

The Cardinals' Vincent Bailey notched both goals for his squad in the second half, including the game-winner. UIW first got on the board in the 59th minute when Bailey took a pass from Jesus Cortez into the back of the net for the early advantage.

UT sophomore transfer David Gulec tallied his first goal of the season less than 10 minutes later when he drove a ball from Ryan Griffin home to pull the score even. It wouldn't be enough, however, as Bailey was fouled inside the box in the 85th minute. His penalty kick was good, giving him his second goal of the match and the eventual win.

Toward the end of the contest, tensions flared. Three yellows were issued in the second half (one to UT and two to UIW) while the Cardinals collected a red card with just under two minutes remaining to give the Spartans a chance.
An impressive free kick of the foot of sophomore defender Brian Fekete was saved just in time by Cardinals' goalkeeper Chris Fidler to preserve the Incarnate Word lead.

Tampa's David Niepel finished with three saves, while Fidler ended the contest with four. The Spartans outshot the Cardinals 16-11.

Tampa will head back on the road on Friday when it travels to North Miami to face off against Johnson and Wales. 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.