Spartans and Buccaneers Draw Despite Great Efforts

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa (2-6-2, 2-2-1 SSC) men's soccer team faced off against Sunshine State Conference opponent No. 10 Barry University (7-1-3, 1-1-3 SSC) Saturday night and walked away with its second tie of the season in the 1-1 outcome.

The Spartans took a quick lead after junior Dominic Cutrofello scored in the third minute of the match. The goal came off a rebound after senior Ryan Griffin shot the ball, causing it to ricochet off the left post. The goal was Cutrofello's fourth of 2011and Griffin collected his second assist.

It would take 26 minutes for BU to respond with the tying goal. Barry was able to take advantage of a penalty kick opportunity as Mark Anderson put one past UT's sophomore goalkeeper David Niepel.

The Spartans were level with the Buccaneers at the half, 1-1.

The second period was a scoreless one and the game went into overtime. After two OT periods, neither side succeeded in coming up with the deciding goal and the game ended in a deadlock at 1-1.

Both Niepel and Barry's goalkeeper Johnny Rodrigues recorded four saves in the 110 minute contest. Tampa and BU tallied 14 and 16 shots, respectively.

Head coach Adrian Bush commented on the match and said, "tonight I feel we were unlucky not to win the game, but with that said, Barry is a good team."

He continued on to state, "I am so proud to be a Spartan right now as these guys have definitely turned their season around. They are building character each day and really laying everything on the line for each other. As their coach and alumni, it's great to see."

The Spartans will face non-conference opponent Thomas University at 4:30 p.m. on Friday at their home pitch, Pepin Stadium.

Live stats and a webcast will be available through www.tampaspartans.com.

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