Spartans Record Fifth Shutout to Defeat Defending National Champions

BOCA RATON, Fla. - Ryan Thompson continued his stellar goalkeeping as The University of Tampa (4-0-1) men's soccer team defeated defending NCAA II national champion Franklin Pierce (2-4) by a score of 3-0.

Thompson recorded his fourth shutout of the year while registering one save to keep UT in a close game. He has now played 421:29 minutes this season without allowing a goal.

The game remained scoreless for the first 80 minutes before UT came alive in the final 10 minutes of the contest.

Freshman Jorge Jimenez scored his first career goal at 80:23 on a breakaway that was created by teammate Ryan Maxwell. Just under five minutes later, Lister Warren scored the second goal, which was assisted by Pascal Milien.

Freshman Greg Sasser made it 3-0 with a goal in the 89th minute. Classmate Ryan Griffin had the assist on a cross from the right sideline.

For the game, Tampa outshot Franklin Pierce 12-5, including a 6-1 shots on goal differential.

"We are happy with our performance," says head coach Adrian Bush. "We played well against a good team and the defending national champions. Now we need to turn our focus on a good Saint Leo team that will be a tremendous challenge to open conference play with."

Tampa will travel to Saint Leo for a 7 p.m., meeting on Tuesday.