Goalkeeping Masterclass Sends Tampa to SSC Semifinals

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The University of Tampa men's soccer team prevails in penalty kicks to hand Nova Southeastern its first loss at home.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 0 (4), Nova Southeastern 0 (3) Pks

Records: Tampa 8-5-3, 5-4-2, Nova Southeastern 7-5-3, 6-3-2

Location: NSU Soccer Complex| Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

All-time series: The Spartans lead the Sharks 19-8-7 in the overall series.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: The match began with each team ready to battle in this postseason matchup. The Sharks recorded the first shot, with Spartan goalkeeper Alex Hare making early stops to keep the match knotted at zero. Defenseman Luca Bergmann poked away a dangerous chance for Nova Southeastern 16 minutes in to keep them off the board. Both teams' defenses were playing well, keeping scoring chances for either team minimal. Rodrigo Lopes set up the Spartans' first scoring chance of the match with about 13 minutes left before the half, forcing the Sharks' goalkeeper to make a save. Despite the Tampa offense coming to life towards the end of the first 45, the teams would head into halftime scoreless.

Score: 0-0 Tie

SECOND HALF: The second half opened with high intensity, as the Spartans were looking to open the scoring. Tampa spent the first few minutes in the attacking third, recording shots and creating chances. Goalkeeper Hare and the Spartans' defense continued to stand tall, keeping the Sharks' offense at bay. With just over 14 minutes left to play, Hare made his 6^th save of the match, off a point-blank shot from the Sharks, to keep the match scoreless. In the 85^th minute, Theo Maye crossed the ball to teammate Pablo Marques who headed the ball right to the middle of the net, forcing the Sharks' goalkeeper to make the save. The teams would need more time to decide the match, as they headed into overtime tied at 0.

End of Regulation: 0-0 Tie

 Overtime 1: The extra 10 minutes began with Tampa heading into the attacking third and trying to create the game winning goal. Goalkeeper Hare continued his brilliant play making a jumping save to keep the Spartans in the match. With just under two minutes left, Hare made another fantastic save to keep Tampa's hope alive and send them into the second overtime.

 Overtime 2: The second overtime began with Tampa dominating possession once again, setting the tone. Maye recorded a shot on goal early, forcing the Sharks' goalkeeper to make another save. The extra 20 minutes would not be enough, as the teams would head into a penalty kick shootout.

Penalty Kick Shootout:

Theo Maye: Made - 1-1 Tie

Pol Aldabó: Saved - 2-1 Sharks

Pablo Marques: Made - 3-2 Sharks

Rodrigo Lopes: Made - 3-3 Tie

Viggo Svedin: Made - 4-3 Spartans

Final: 0 (4) – 0 (3) Tampa Pks

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Alex Hare started in goal for the Spartans, recording 8 saves.
• Five Spartans played the full 110 minutes; Tarek Ghamraoui, Pol Aldabó, Cherif Tammar, Gabriel Herrera, and Luca Bergmann.
• Pablo Marques led Tampa in shots, with 3.
• The Spartans handed the Sharks their first loss at home this season.
• Hare recorded his 3rd clean sheet of the season.

UP NEXT: The Spartans travel to Boca Raton to take on first ranked Lynn University on Thursday.