Tampa Dominates Embry-Riddle in Blowout

TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team faced off against Sunshine State Conference opponent Embry-Riddle University.

MATCHUP
Final: Tampa 5, Embry-Riddle 1
Records: Tampa Spartans (4-3, 2-1 SSC), Embry-Riddle Eagles (1-4, 1-2 SSC)
Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla. 
All-time Series: Tampa owns a 7-2-2 series record against Embry-Riddle.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | The Spartans started out firing with 3 shots early, 2 of those on goal. But it was the Eagles of Embry-Riddle that struck first with a goal in the 10^th minute from Tim-Frederick Lange. The Spartans answered back with an amazing header from Mike Schessl assisted by Travis Foster in the 23^rd minute. Schessl's goal was his second in as many games. In the 37^th minute, offensive player of the week Rojay Smith fired a shot in the upper right corner of the goal unassisted, giving the Spartans a 2-1 lead. Despite multiple scoring opportunities towards the end of the half, the Spartans could not capitalize and went into the half leading 2-1.

2nd Half | The Spartans came out firing again with 3 early shots on goal, but none of them connecting. The Spartan's offense then found a rhythm, with goals coming from Travis Foster and Amgad Salah in the 56^th and 60^th minutes. After attacking and drawing a foul in the box, Rojay Smith capitalized by netting the penalty kick in the 72^nd minute, matching his career-high second goal on the night. The Spartan's stellar defense shut out the Eagles in the second half. The Spartans went on to win 5-1.   

Inside the Stats:

• The Spartans outshot the Eagles 16-7.
• Rojay Smith's 2 goals marks his 4th and 5th on the season.T

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel to face Palm Beach Atlantic on Saturday, as kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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