Spartans Spear Sharks in SSC Matchup

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team (8-4-1, 5-2 SSC) defeated the Nova Southeastern University Sharks (6-5-1, 2-3-1 SSC) in a Sunshine State Conference matchup on Wednesday night.

Despite the Spartans recording a quick two shots on goal, the Sharks managed to score first in the 20th minute of play. A cross from Nova's Nicola Brivio found the foot of teammate Riccardo Bini to put the Sharks on the board.

Both teams failed to produce a goal in the following minutes as Nova led 1-0 at the half.

After nearly thirty minutes of silence from either side in the second period, the Spartan offense finally struck. A strategically placed ball from sophomore forward Tyler Blackwood found the foot of freshman Samoda Johnson who put the ball in the back of the Shark net to even the match at one.

The game was decided within the final eight minutes of the match. Immediately after entering the game, Tampa's Tarik Hamza crossed the ball to Blackwood on the opposite side of the field who was able to beat Nova's keeper put the Spartans up 2-1 on the Sharks.

Tampa's one-goal lead remained until the final whistle of the contest. With the win, the Spartans collect their eighth of the season and hand Nova Southeastern its sixth loss. The win improved the Spartans to 5-2 in SSC play while the Sharks fall to 2-4-1 in conference.

The Spartans next match is scheduled for Saturday at 7:30 p.m. against Florida Southern University in Lakeland, Fla. Tampa will be looking to earn its fifth SSC win. Live stats and a webcast will be available through TampaSpartans.tv.

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