Tampa Records Another Tie in Midweek Rivalry Game

TAMPA, Fla. – The Tampa Spartans battled to a 1-1 draw against conference rival Florida Southern in a midweek matchup at home.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Tampa Spartans 0 - Florida Southern Moccasins 0

Records: Tampa Spartans 4-1-3, (0-1-2), Florida Southern Moccasins 3-2-4, (0-1-3)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF:

Early on in the half, each team exchanged moments of possession but struggled to develop strong offensive opportunities. In the 11th minute, the Mocs were able to take a shot just outside of the box, placing the ball just past Aidan Smith and resulting in the first goal of the game. Having further settled into the game, the Spartans started pressing the Mocs defense, and a give-and-go between Ally Wold and Nellie Bryneus around Moccasin defenders gave Wold a slight breakaway where she placed a low shot to the corner and evened the score at 1-1. Energy stayed high into halftime as Tampa was able to get off a series of shots in the final few minutes, however the score remained a draw going into the break.

Spartans 1 - Moccasins 1

SECOND HALF:

The second half started a little slower with both teams struggling to retain possession. Strong pressure from the Tampa offense drew an offensive corner kick which was knocked around in the box but resulted in a long, arching shot from Ella Armas that just cleared the frame of the goal. The Mocs began to control more of the possession, but the Spartans midfield and defense were able to make some solid tackles and break up developing play. On a defensive set piece, Aidan Smith was once again tested but came up with her fifth save of the night, and shortly after Zoe Whiddon had a strong defensive moment as she cleared a dangerous cross into the box from the Mocs. With just 14 min remaining, Smith would record her sixth save in a crucial moment where she was just able to extend and reach the ball to keep the game tied. Connecting better offensively, Tampa created a moment for Kate Russell to have a shot, forcing the save from the Mocs goalkeeper, but the score would still end a 1-1 draw with both goals scored in the first 20 minutes of the game.

Spartans 1 - Moccasins 1

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Smith totaled 7 saves.
• Wold recorded her third goal of the season, just one behind current leading scorer Mimi Cronquist (4 goals).

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