Tampa Plays to Draw With PBA

TAMPA, Fla. - The No. 9 University of Tampa men's soccer team battled No. 21 Palm Beach Atlantic University to a 1-1 draw on Saturday nigh at Pepin Stadium in Sunshine State Conference play.

After a scoreless first half, the Spartans broke through in the 73rd minute when Dion Ruffo Luci converted his first goal of the season off an assist from Gregor Geru, giving Tampa a 1-0 advantage. The lead was short-lived, however, as Palm Beach Atlantic responded less than four minutes later with an equalizer from Niklas Mahler.

Tampa managed seven total shots on the night, two of which were on target, while the Spartans' defense and goalkeeper held strong against 10 Sailfish attempts. Goalkeeper Alex Hare had a standout performance, recording four second-half saves to preserve the result.

The match was physical throughout, with Tampa receiving five yellow cards. Despite the intensity, the Spartans' back line—anchored by Luca Bergmann, Jannik Brengel, and Henrik Fosvold—kept Palm Beach Atlantic from capitalizing on multiple late opportunities. Midfield playmakers Viggo Svedin and Leonard Bogeskar also logged heavy minutes, helping Tampa control possession in stretches of the contest.

The Spartans move to 5-0-2 overall and 1-0-1 in SSC play, while Palm Beach Atlantic remains unbeaten at 5-0-1.

Top Tampa Players

• Dion Ruffo Luci – Scored Tampa's lone goal (1st of season).
• Gregor Geru – Tallied the assist on Ruffo Luci's goal, created chances in attack.
• Alex Hare – Recorded 4 saves in the second half to secure the draw.
• Luca Bergmann / Jannik Brengel / Henrik Fosvold – Key defensive contributions in a physical matchup.
• Leonard Bogeskar / Viggo Svedin – Provided midfield stability and ball distribution.