FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The University of Tampa men’s soccer team fought back in the second half against Nova Southeastern on Saturday night, but ultimately came up short in the conference opener. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Nova Southeastern 1, Tampa 0

Records: Tampa Spartans (0-2-3), Nova Southeastern Sharks (5-1-0)

Location: NSU Soccer Complex || Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.

All-time Series: UT leads 18-6-4.

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | The Sharks seized the lead in the 35th minute when Juan Nunez netted his first goal of the season. Sebastian Loibl created space on the left side of the box by cutting back towards net and sent a through-ball across the face of the goal, where Nunez was able to get a slight touch on the ball to take the lead. Nova Southeastern racked up two yellow cards in the first half; Lucas Dessoliers logged one, and the other was charged to the team.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• The Spartans did not take a corner kick in the entire match. Prior to this evening, UT had registered a corner kick in 22 straight matches.
• Soler led the team with three shots, and he was one of six Spartans to play the full 90 minutes. 
• Nova Southeastern have won five straight matches since dropping the season opener. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa will travel to Eckerd College on Wednesday for the second conference matchup of the season. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Saint Petersburg.