Spartans Pull Away From Coker For First Win of Season

Box score

MORROW, Ga. - The No. 20 University of Tampa (1-0-1) men's soccer team was too much for Coker College (0-1) as the Spartans pulled away for a 4-0 victory in a neutral site contest played at Clayton State University.

"I am very pleased with our performance tonight," says head coach Adrian Bush. "It's our first region win this season and it's very important that we maintain our focus."

All four UT goals came in the second half, with All-American Tyler Blackwood accounting for two goals and an assist.

Blackwood was credited with the game-winner in the 54th minute, on a goal assisted by teammate Naysir Rodriguez. It took just over 10 minutes for Alex Knaggs to strike for the second UT goal as Daniel Barboto found the senior.

Jesus Gonzalez then found the net in the 70th minute, with Blackwood and freshman John Bentham assisting. Blackwood added the final Tampa goal with just over a minute to play on a header from Gonzalez and Bentham.

Tampa outshot the Cobras 16-9, including an 8-3 advantage in shots on goal. Senior goalkeeper David Niepel recorded his first shutout of the season and was credited with three saves.

The Spartans return home for their home opener on Friday against Florida Memorial University. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m., at Pepin Stadium. Live stats and a video webcast are available through TampaSpartans.tv.

Fans may follow University of Tampa athletics on Twitter (www.twitter.com/utspartans) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/tampaspartans). UT also offers blAst, a free text messaging service that sends text alerts following all Spartan events. To sign up, please register at www.tampaspartans.com.