Spartans Roll Past Chargers with O'Leary Game Winner

TAMPA, Fla. – The #11 ranked Tampa Spartans battled to a win over Alabama-Huntsville with a goal from Tali O'Leary in the 90th minute.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Tampa 1, Alabama-Huntsville 0

Records: Tampa 3-0, Alabama-Huntsville 1-2-0

All-time series: The Spartans record improves to 2-3 all-time against the Chargers.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF: Both teams came out exchanging possession of play, each tallying a couple of shots early on. Settling into the game, the Spartans began to take control of possession. Tampa nearly found themselves on the scoreboard after a pair of shots in succession by Sydni Dennis were blocked, but the team continued to dominate play to close out the first half. Momentum continued, leading to a pair of offensive corner kicks, however both teams headed to the locker room without any goals.

Spartans 0, Chargers 0

SECOND HALF: The Spartans came out with energy, but frustration led to a chippy second half, resulting in a couple fouls called against the Spartans. After continued back-and-forth possession, Mimi Cronquist was able to capture some shots on goal, further swinging momentum in the Spartans way. In the 90th minute, the Chargers committed a handball, leading to a Spartan free kick being awarded. Catching the Chargers off-guard as they organized defensively, Tali O'Leary quickly drove a lofted ball over the head of the keeper, winning the match with no time to spare. 

Spartans 1, Chargers 0

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Smith totaled four saves.
• Six players totaled a full 90 minute game.
• The 3-0 Spartans have yet to concede a goal this season, outscoring opponents 7-0 so far.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will travel to Colorado for a pair of games, starting with Colorado-Colorado Springs in CO Springs, Sunday, September 15 at 5pm.

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