Spartans Conclude Season in SSC Tournament Final

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - The University of Tampa women's soccer team fell 4-2 in penalty kicks to Florida Tech in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament Final after ending regulation and two overtime periods tied 0-0.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: Tampa 0(2), Florida Tech 0(4)
Records: Spartans (9-6-3), Panthers (10-7-2)
Location: NSU Soccer Complex  | Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa leads the all-time series against FIT at 11-3-7.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:
1st Half | From the start of the game, it was evident that both teams came out with tired legs, having had less than 48 hours to recuperate from their semifinal matches on Friday night and with today's match being the third game in six days, all being on the road for both teams. Neither team was able to pose a serious threat to score as play remained in the middle of the field for the most part as both teams exchanged possession back and forth. FIT had the best chance of the game midway through the half but had a goal waved off after an offside call was made. 

2nd Half | The play for both teams picked up slightly in the second half, with both sides trying to push forward to find the one play that could end up being the difference maker. The Panthers relied on trying to find players on the breakaway off any push forward by the Spartans but the back four of Miranda Gonzalez, Sarah Raymond, Ali Robinson, and Mia Brantley were quick to stop almost every chance for FIT before there was a play made on the UT goal. UT in the meantime tried to find a breakthrough via the set pieces but the final flick on goal eluded them as regulation came to a close in a scoreless draw.

OT | Tampa controlled the game in the extra period as they held on to the possession and attacked from the sidelines and keeping the FIT defense in their area through the extra time but were unlucky to see their attempts on goal miss the target.

Penalty Kicks | FIT scored four times to UT's two to win the game and the tournament.

INSIDE THE STATS:
• FIT held a 13-10 edge in shots overall but UT had a 4-2 edge in overtime.
• Tampa also had the advantage in corners 5-1.
• The two teams combined for 20 fouls called during the match.

BEYOND THE BOXSCORE
• Tampa concludes the season with 19 goals in 18 games.
• Nine different players scored at least one goal.
• Nine different players recorded at least one assist.

UP NEXT: The team concludes its season at 9-6-3 in the SSC Tournament Finals.

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