Double Overtime Boot By Matt Davies Gives UT The 2010 SSC Tournament Title

MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - A double overtime goal off the foot of sophomore Matt Davies led the No.22 University of Tampa (14-6-1) men's soccer team over Florida Tech (8-7-3) in the finals of the 2010 Sunshine State Conference Tournament, hosted by Barry. UT won the game by a final score of 2-1 to win its second SSC tournament title in school history and first since 2007.

"To look at where this team started and to see where we are now is incredible," says head coach Adrian Bush. "I am extremely proud as a coach and as an alumni of our athletic program."

The Spartans, who were playing in their fourth straight SSC championship game, claimed the first scoring opportunity when Kemal Malcolm fired a shot in the second minute that was saved by Brentton Muhammad. After much back and forth action, however, the Panthers were the first to break through on the board. A scramble inside the box led to a Guillaume Zumofen score, assisted by Nicolas Garcia. The first half goal was just the fourth allowed by Tampa this season.

It wasn't long before UT would get back into the game though as sophomore Dominic Goncalves notched his team-high second goal of the tournament. Ryan Griffin tapped the ball to Goncalves about 22 yards out and the Egham, England native ripped a hard shot into the upper 90 for the equalizer.

Both squads came out of the half with a newfound energy. The two teams combined for 48 fouls in the contest with neither gaining too much momentum. With a scoreless second half, the two teams moved into overtime.

The battle continued with a scoreless first overtime. The Spartans kept the ball in the Panther half for much of the second OT. UT's offensive attack culminated with the game-winner from Davies at the 106:27 mark.

Freshman goalkeeper David Niepel earned the victory in goal for the Spartans, turning away two Panther shots in the contest.

Goncalves was honored as the tournament's Most Outstanding Player as he was joined by teammates Davies, Griffin, Lister Warren and Jordan Moses on the all-tournament squad.

"Florida Tech is a spectacular team and we are thrilled with this outcome over a top-notch opponent," continued Bush. "Just to be a part of the UT athletics program where we have won four championships in the last two days is something magical in itself."

Tampa will now set its sights on the 2010 NCAA Division II South Regional, which is scheduled to begin on Friday. Pairings will be announced on Monday evening. Please visit www.tampaspartans.com for complete information on the NCAA tournament.

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