No. 6 Spartans Play to a Draw in Tampa Against Fighting Knights
TAMPA, Fla. – The University of Tampa Spartans played to a 0-0 draw against conference opponent the Lynn Fighting Knights.
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final Score: Tampa Spartans 0 - Lynn Fighting Knights 0
Records: Tampa Spartans 4-1-2, (0-1-1), Lynn Fighting Knights 4-1-1, (0-1-3)
HOW IT HAPPENED:
FIRST HALF:
Lynn placed the pressure on Tampa early on, while the Spartans struggled to connect through the midfield and final third. After settling into the game, the Spartans forced Brooke Auth to make her first saves of the night off a series of crosses and shots. Despite the high pressure and majority possession from Lynn, the Spartans were strong and patient defensively. This helped keep a clean sheet through the first half, anchored in a backline led by Sofia Karlholm. With just 15 minutes remaining in the half, the Fighting Knights became frustrated, committing a series of fouls over the remaining minutes that cleared the path for potential moments that Tampa was ultimately unable to capitalize on.
Spartans 0 - Fighting Knights 0
SECOND HALF:
The Fighting Knights kept up the high pressure and continued to test the Spartans backline, taking longer range shots to result in Aidan Smith's first saves of the night. Tampa looked like they might get their first of the night as they picked the ball off Lynn's midfield and wove a series of passes atop the box ending in a bent far-post shot off the left foot of Kate Russell to force a save from Brooke Auth. Back and forth play continued, and with just 14 minutes remaining, Lynn's offense would crack a high and deep shot forcing Smith to punch the ball over the net for a Lynn offensive corner kick. Rounding out the half, both teams continued to struggle to connect in the final third, resulting in a scoreless draw in Tampa.
Spartans 0 - Fighting Knights 0
INSIDE THE STATS:
- Smith totaled 3 saves.
- Seven Spartans played the full 90 minute match.
- Sydni Dennis recorded 3 shots.
UP NEXT: The Spartans will next head out to Melbourne Beach to play at Florida Tech in seven days, on Saturday, October 12 at 7pm.
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