Mississippi College Takes Down UT 2-0 in Florence

FLORENCE, Ala – The University of Tampa women's soccer team traveled north to Florence, Ala. to take part in the "Lion Shootout" hosted by the University of North Alabama.  Their opening match on Friday, Sept. 9 against the Mississippi College Choctaws ended in a 2-0 win for the Choctaws.

The first half of the game belonged mostly to the Spartans as they dominated not only the possession but also outshot the Choctaws 5-1. UT had the better chances to score a goal as they built up play from the wings, looking to get the ball forward via the long pass and relying on their speed to break a high defensive line played by Mississippi College. The only thing that kept Tampa from going up on the scoreboard was crucial save by MC keeper Andrea McDonald off a one on one chance by Tampa forward Robyn-Anne Whittaker and some extra touches in the final third. Spartan keeper, Sydney Ross was unbothered in net in the first 45 mins as the few opportunities for the Choctaws were either stopped by the defense or easy grabs for the netminder. 

In the second half, the pace of the game picked up and Mississippi College went on the offensive. With 15 minutes gone in the half, the Choctaws took a 1-0 lead via a goal from Jess Davenport. Two minutes later as Tampa looked to respond, MC went up 2-0 as Samantha Carson shot one past a diving Ross who was able to tip the ball but not far enough as it found the back of the net.

Despite the team's best efforts and dominating on the stat sheet, UT was shut out for the second time in three games to start the season. The Spartans outshot the Choctaws 11-6 overall and 6-2 in shots on goal. They also had the advantage in corner kicks 5-2.

The team will be back in action on Sunday, September 11 as they take on the University of North Alabama Lions in Florence, Ala. at 12:30 p.m.

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