Panthers Top Spartans in Early Week Matchup

MELBOURNE, Fla. – The Spartans drop an early week reschedule against the Florida Tech Panthers away in Melbourne.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP: 

Final Score: Florida Tech 3 - Tampa 0

Records: Tampa Spartans 5-1-7,  (1-1-6), Florida Tech Panthers 9-2-2, (6-1-1)

HOW IT HAPPENED:

FIRST HALF:

The match started off with each team exchanging dangerous moments in their respective attacks in the early minutes of the game. Although the Spartans controlled much of the action through the first few minutes of the half, FIT was able to capitalize on a long cross into the box which Savannah Oxley headed past Aidan Smith. The Panthers settled in, possessing the ball in the Spartans' defensive half. With about 20 minutes left in the half, FIT sent in an offensive corner kick which Tampa was initially able to clear, but the Panthers collected the ball and sent in another lofted cross into the box which Sara Batchadji was able to tap in the net. Just one minute later, the Panthers would again capitalize as Marta Llopis placed a shot to the far post and past Smith. Lia Doohan entered for the Spartans to close out the half, getting right to it as FIT sent another offensive corner kick into the box, but Doohan was able to punch the ball out of the 18 for a clearance. The score remained through the final 20 minutes of the half.

Panthers 3 - Spartans 0

SECOND HALF:

The second half started much like the end of the first half as the Panthers pressed the Spartans early and spent much of the initial minutes in the Spartans defensive half. About 12 minutes into the second half, the Spartans would have a pair of offensive corner kicks which FIT was able to hastily clear away. With 25 left, a free kick for FIT was sent in from near the corner flag which Doohan would quickly collect. Play continued with FIT controlling the majority of the possession, and FIT's Nora Oldmark would rip a series of shots leading to Doohan's first recorded saves of the night. With 6 minutes remaining, Nellie Brynneus would storm down the pitch and send in a cross which looked to be fruitful but was ultimately uneventful. Doohan would record another set of saves as FIT cracked several on frame, and a yellow card call against FIT with 4 minutes remaining looked like another potential opportunity for the Spartans, but the second half would remain scoreless.

Panthers 3 - Spartans 0

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Lia Doohan recorded 6 saves on the night.
• Nellie Brymeus had the sole shot on goal for the Spartans.

UP NEXT: 

The Spartans will return home for their final regular season conference game and host Palm Beach Atlantic this Thursday, November 7 at 7pm.

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