Spartans Battle Tritons to a Draw in St. Pete

SAINT PETERSBURG, Fla. – The Tampa Spartans battled to a draw against the Tritons after going down 2-0 early in the first half of the match.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Tampa Spartans 2 - Eckerd Tritons 2

Records: Tampa Spartans 5-1-6, (1-1-5), Eckerd Tritons 3-4-5, (2-3-2)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF:

The Tritons opened scoring within the first five minutes as Freija Aflenzer snuck one past Aidan Smith. The Tritons kept their foot on the gas, forcing Smith to make three more saves before Olivia Ozbolt netted their second goal in the 33rd minute. The Spartans were held to three shots in the half, just one on frame from Sydni Dennis in the 43rd minute.

Tritons 2 - Spartans 0

SECOND HALF:

The Spartans sent a message that they were ready to battle back by earning a corner within the seconds of the half. Both teams went back and forth, exchanging shots and fouls. In the 62nd minute, the Spartans stripped the Tritons of the ball at the midfield, played it down the right side to Mimi Cronquist. Cronquist sent in a cross to Kate Russell, hitting a one-time volley into the back of the net. A new surge of energy ran through the Spartans as the fight continued into the 85th minute. The Spartans earned a throw-in in Tritons territory, Tali O'Leary received the throw, played it off to Sofia Karlholm for a service into the box. Tritons Keeper, Cadence Talbert, mishandled the service, the ball landed at the foot of Lindsey Emerson to tap in for the equalizer.

Spartans 2 - Tritons 2

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Smith finished with 9 saves.
• Second goal of the season for Emerson.
• First goal of the season for Russell.

UP NEXT: The Spartans return to Pepin to face the Saint Leo Lions on Saturday, November 2 at 7:00pm.

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