Spartans Fall to Lions on Senior Night
TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 24 University of Tampa (10-5-2, 4-2-1 SSC) women's soccer team lost to No. 6 Saint Leo University (15-1-1, 7-0-1) Thursday night by a score of 1-0.
"Unfortunately we were unable to capitalize on the numerous opportunities we had in front of the Leo net," says head coach Gerry Lucey. "A combination of misfortune and poor communication led to a lack of serious quality in the final third. Despite out playing and out shooting another top 10 opponent we couldn't find the quality to finish them off. We contained a Leo attack to just two shots on target but unfortunately fell asleep on their first effort. It says something for our effort that his starting attack had to be moved to the back line to contain our forwards."
The Lions took an early first half lead, on the Spartan's senior night, in minute 19 by a goal from Pia Soesemann, assisted by Sherrie Gessin. Saint Leo would continue to lead going into half despite Tampa outshooting Saint Leo six to four.
"We are disappointed at letting in a soft goal which according to our defenders was aided by a handball by the scorer," continues Lucey.
The Spartans and Lions continued their defensive struggle into the second half. The score would stand at 1-0 at the end of the game.
This loss did not come without strong effort. Lauren Moore led the team with three shots with two shots on goal. Jazmin Perry, Amber Pennybaker, and Marta Bertsos each recorded one shot on goal. The Spartans also finished with five shots on goal to the Lions two. UT had another late-game opportunity where a shot towards a wide-open goal from close range sailed wide.
Goalie Emelie Karstrom had another strong game recording one save and allowing one goal.
The Spartans honored six seniors on Friday night who have excelled as student-athletes in the classroom and on the field for the University of Tampa. Those seniors were Perry, Marta Bertsos, Alexa DellaRocco, Samantha Kay, Brittan Spence, and Charlotte White.
Tampa's next game will be in the SSC Quarterfinals on Tuesday against Lynn University. The game will be played at UT's Pepin Stadium at 7 p.m. Live stats and a webcast will be available through tampaspartans.tv.
"Regardless, we need to lick our wounds and get ready for a tough game on Tuesday against Lynn University," concludes Lucey.
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