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Spartans Stumble Against Florida Southern in Loss
September 28, 2017

Spartans Stumble Against Florida Southern in Loss

The Mocs stole the victory as they held on to the lead after a 5th minute goal

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer team closed out the month of September with a Saturday night clash against the Florida Southern College Mocassins at home. The home side was unable to extend their undefeated start to the season as they dropped their first game of the season in a 1-0 victory for the visitors. FSC took the lead in the 5th minute and held on to the lead despite UT taking it up a notch on the intensity in the second half.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 0, Florida Southern 1
Records: Spartans (5-1-1, 2-1 SSC), Mocassins (4-1-1, 2-1 SSC)
Location: Pepin Stadium | Tampa, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series with a 19-6-2 record against FSC.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | Tampa started the game with the ball and the first two chances of the game but were unlucky to see Florida Southern score what would end up being the lone goal of the game in the 5th minute of action. The Mocassins would be the team in control as they had the better chances to expand on their lead. UT had possession of the ball at times but their missed communication and at times misplayed passes in the final third led to the Mocs keeper not having to do much during the half. In the final five minutes of the half, the Spartans had two successive shots that began a turn of the tide. 

2nd Half | As has been the story this season, the Spartans came out of the break with a burst of energy as they chased the tying goal. Shortly after the start of the half, UT had back to back corner kicks that they were unable to take advantage of. Libby Wissman had a header on a cross into the box go wide left and Lacy Nasello followed that play with an attempt of her own that was saved by the keeper. UT kept up the pressure and kept adding to their corner kick tally but the chances were never clear on goal and FSC held onto their shutout. With time winding down as the clock reached the 75th minute, Florida Southern tried to slow down the pace of the home team with fouls. Back to back corner kicks and a shot from the top of the box by Reni Taiwo kept the Mocs on their heels but the defense would not break. The final 10 minutes of play were all Tampa as Florida Southern simply held on with everything they had as the Spartans took try after try looking to find the goal that had eluded them all game. Unfortunately, time ran out on the team as the clock hit zero and FSC celebrated their first win in the last four matches between the two schools.

INSIDE THE STATS:
• This was the first time UT was shutout this season.
• The Spartans had an incredible advantage in corner kicks (10-0) but were unable to pose a serious threat on the set pieces.
• After being outshot 5-3 in the first half, Tampa outshot Florida Southern 11-1 in the second half.

UP NEXT: The team will now head into a crucial three-game stretch in SSC play as two of those three games are on the road. First up, the team has a midweek trip to Winter Park, Fla. to take on Rollins College this Wednesday. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 pm and video/live stats are available on tampaspartans.com

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Photos Box Score