Spartans Draw Flagler 2-2 in Hard Fought Road Contest

St. Augustine, Fla. – The Tampa Spartans men's soccer team traveled across the state to take on Flagler University. After last year's 0-0 draw and both teams coming into the match with winning records, both squads knew this match was going to be a battle. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 2, Flagler 2

Records: Tampa – 2-1-1, Flagler – 3-0-1

Location: Saints Field - St. Augustine, Florida

All-time series: After tonight's draw, the Spartans still lead the series 13-3-3

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: To begin the match, Flagler came out in all out attack. They were able to convert multiple scoring chances into shots on goal, but the reigning SSC Player of the Week Alex Hare stood tall recording four saves in the first 20 minutes. The Spartans would then create a few chances for themselves, but it wasn't until the 37^th minute when the game saw its first goal. Lorenz Offner hit a strong low shot into the back of the net just minutes after being subbed on. The punch off the bench that Offner gave the Spartans helped them take a 1-0 lead into the half.

Tampa 1, Flagler 0

SECOND HALF: Coming out the break, Flagler was immediately able to possess the ball in the attacking third and score just 30 seconds into the second half. Flagler would control the opening ten minutes before the Spartans were able to take back some of the possesion. However just as the Spartans began regaining the momentum in the match, Flagler would strike again in 65^th minute to take a 2-1 lead. Tampa would once again be in need of spark off the bench and just five minutes later they would get. Jack Hartford would sub on to the pitch in the 70^th minute and not even 90 seconds later would find himself alone on goal. Hartford would beat the Flagler keeper and calmly finish into an open net to bring the match square at 2-2 with 20 minutes remaining. Both teams would end up with one more true chance for a winner but the match would end in an exciting 2-2 draw.

Tampa 2, Flagler 2

INSIDE THE STATS:

• SSC Player of the Week Alex Hare tallied 6 total saves.  
• 3 Spartan Players played the entire 90 minutes.

UP NEXT: Spartans men's soccer will come back home to take on Embry-Riddle University on Saturday, September 21^st. This match will open up Sunshine State Conference play with kickoff scheduled for 7:00pm.

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