Valbuena's Mutli-Goal Match Leads Tampa to Tie Nationally Ranked Confernece Foe

WINTER PARK, FLA. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team ties first conference matchup on the road.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 2, #12 Rollins 2

Records: Tampa 1-1-3, 0-0-1 SSC, #12 Rollins 2-0-3, 0-0-1 SSC

Location: Barker Family Stadium | Winter Park, Fla

All-time series: The Spartans hold a 29-18-3 lead over the Tars in the overall series.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: The game began with the Tampa defense creating takeaways early, pressuring the Rollins offense. The Tars recorded an early shot on goal, but the Spartans responded with a good press into the offensive zone. Both teams played physical in the half, with both teams recording multiple tackles. The teams played well defensively, and would go into halftime tied at zero.

Score: 0-0 Tie

SECOND HALF: The second half opened up with the Tars netting a penalty kick in the 52^nd minute to open the scoring. In the 72^nd minute of the matchup, goalkeeper Agustin Lombardo made some outstanding saves, with the help of defenseman Ricardo Sepulveda, to keep the Spartans in the game. The Tars were issued a red card, causing them to play a man down. The Spartans then capitalized off a penalty kick in the 73^rd minute from Marcello Valbuena to tie the matchup. Rollins found the back of the net in the 83rd minute to gain the lead. Just one minute later, Valbuena found the back of the net with a header to tie the match once again.

Final: 2-2 Tie

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Agustin Lombardo started in goal for the Spartans, recording two saves.
• Marcello Valbuena netted both goals for the Spartans
• 5 Spartans played the full 90 minutes, Frederik Klausen, Ricardo Sepulveda, Pol Aldabó, Yannik Pohlmann, and Carlos Ledon.
• Pablo Marques and Jordan Livits made their Spartans debuts tonight.

UP NEXT: The Spartans return back home on Wednesday to take on conference opponent St. Leo at 7:00p.m.