Spartans Shock No. 3 Cougars In Home Debut
September 11, 2015

Spartans Shock No. 3 Cougars In Home Debut

TAMPA, Fla - The University of Tampa women's soccer team hosted the No. 3 Columbus State University Cougars for their home opener Friday night at Pepin Stadium. The Spartans threw a wrench in the Cougars plan to move up in the rankings coming out with a 2-1 upset.

Tampa started the first half strong and played confidently despite their opponents top five ranking. Once again Freshmen transfer Nastasia Asgedom provided the spark for the UT offense. Asgedom gave her side the early 1-0 advantage thanks to a beautifully placed ball from Gabby Scirica.

Columbus State would answer with a goal of their own at the 32-minute mark thanks to Shelby Rolling, who notched a goal off an assist by Taylor Marks. CSU would try to pull ahead late in the first half showing they were worthy of their ranking. But the Cougars were denied any opportunity by sophomore keeper Caroline Frykgard, who made back to back saves on set piece plays moment before the half.

The second half action continued much where the first half left off with both squads trying to pull ahead of the other to earn their side a victory. However, the Spartans would be the side to prevail as Cici Gonzalez put away the game-winner past keeper Maylyn Parsons. Once again to help provide the spark were transfers Nastasia Asgedom and Gabby Scirica as they provided the assist to set up Gonzalez's clutch goal.

Coach Switalski on the win said, " We came in tonight knowing it was going to be a fight up and down the field for the entire 90 minutes. I'm proud of the girls from top to bottom starters, and subs they played for each other out there, and at the level I know we're capable of."

The Spartans return to action Sunday at home against the University of West Florida Argonauts. Gametime is set for 12:00 p.m. ET, Live stats and video coverage will be available for fans.

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