Spartans Drop Heartbreaker On the Road At Eckerd

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — The University of Tampa men's soccer team falls following a late goal from Eckerd.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: Tampa 0, Eckerd 1

Records: Tampa 6-4-4, 2-4-3, Eckerd 3-7-5, 1-5-3

Location: Johnson Stadium | St. Petersburg, Fla.

All-time series: The Spartans lead the all-time series with the Tritons 40-12.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

First Half: 

The first half was about as even as it gets with play flipping back and forth and both teams jostling for control of the game. However, neither team was able to grab firm control of the game and the game reached halftime goalless. Remarkably, the teams finished the half with the same amount of shots (4), shots on goal (1), and fouls (6) with the only differentiating statistic being Tampa's 3 corners to Eckerd's 2. 

Score: 0-0  

Second Half: 

The Spartans came out firing in the second half, led by Rodrigo Lopes attempting four shots in the first 10 minutes of the half including one shot off the crossbar. Tampa would continue this pressure into the middle section of the half as they would record nine shots before Eckerd could respond with a shot of their own. The Spartans would find five shots on target before the half was over, but were repelled at every attempt. Eckerd however, would find a late goal in the 90th minute to steal a victory.

Final Score: 1-0 Eckerd  

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Tampa outshot Eckerd 11-4 in the second half and 15-8 overall.
• Lopes recorded a game-high 6 shots and 2 shots on goal.
• The Spartans had 7 shots on goal to Eckerd's 4.

UP NEXT: The Spartans close the regular season at home on senior night against St. Leo at Pepin Stadium, Saturday at 7:00pm.