Dominic Cutrofello Stars in Overtime Victory For Spartans

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa men's soccer team defeated the University of Montevallo Falcons in a Sunday afternoon thriller by a 2-1 overtime score.

"This is an excellent way to close out the opening weekend to our season," says head coach Adrian Bush. "Montevallo is a fantastic team. Our players executed well today defensively and we did a good job of disrupting their rhythm."

The first half was rather quiet, despite the two teams recording six shots apiece. Strong defensive efforts from either side kept the game even at zero at the end of the half.

At the 52 minute mark, the Spartans took the lead. Craig Laird was taken down by the Falcon goalkeeper and senior Dominic Cutrofello then capitalized on a penalty kick opportunity. Making the most of the chance, Cutrofello shot the ball past the goalkeeper's left side and into the back of the net. Spartans led the Falcons 1-0.

With less than three minutes to go, sophomore defender Andrew Clare received a yellow card for fouling a Falcon in the box on an attempt to clear the ball. Montevallo was awarded a penalty kick. UM's Stefan Vaziri put the ball into the top left corner of the net, beating Tampa goalkeeper David Niepel and tying the match at one.

Both teams failed to score another goal during regulation time.

Five minutes into the overtime period, an aggressive Falcon goalkeeper took down Tampa's Tyler Blackwood and was issued a red card. The goalkeeper was replaced and just seconds later Cutrofello headed the ball out of reach of the new goalie and into the net for the game-winning goal. Senior Dominic Goncalves was awarded the assist.

"A couple wins doesn't make our season, we must remain focused and get ready to play a talented North Georgia team Thursday night," continues Bush. "That is the most important game of the season right now because it is our next match."

The Spartans return to the pitch on Thursday to face the North Georgia Saints at home. The game is scheduled to begin 7:30 pm at Pepin Stadium.