MELBOURNE, Fla. – The University of Tampa men’s soccer team rallied late in the second half to finish in a 2-2 draw against No. 15 Florida Tech. This was the first draw in SSC play for UT this season, despite five conference matches reaching extra time. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: Tampa 2, No. 15 Florida Tech 2 (2OT)

Records: University of Tampa Spartans (2-7-4, 2-6-1 SSC) vs. No. 15 Florida Tech Panthers (9-3-1, 4-1-1 SSC)

Location: Rick Stottler Field || Melbourne, Fla.

All-time Series: Tampa leads 35-15-6, the Spartans are currently on a four match unbeaten streak against the Panthers. 

 

HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st Half | In the first half, No. 15 Florida Tech ripped off 13 shots however only two reached target as Jake Richards logged two of his seven saves in the first 45 minutes. Ramzi Toure and Toni Soler were both charged with yellow cards. Juancho Fernandez tacked on his sixth goal of the season in the 36th minute, which tied Marcel Salokat for the team-lead. Jan Walker led Fernandez on a through-ball from mid-field to the 18 yard box and the junior from Oviedo, Spain slotted the opportunity to give UT the 1-0 lead heading to halftime. 

2nd Half | The Panthers rallied in the second half as Mikkel Roeisland equalized the match in the 59th minute. In the 73rd minute, Luca Campanini registered his seventh goal of the season which is ranked second on Florida Tech. Till Neumann brought the match to even in the 79th minute off a phenmonal bicycle kick. Rojay Smith deked defenders along the sideline and sent a soft cross towards net, Neumann settled the cross off his chest and completed the challenging bicycle kick. 

Extra Time | Fernandez took three shots in the two 10 minute periods, however could not connect with the goal-keeper or the net. Knut Soeren Hovet was given a yellow card in the 109th minute and it allowed No. 15 Florida Tech one last free kick in UT territory but nothing came of the opportunity. 

INSIDE THE STATS: 

• This was the eighth extra-time match for Tampa this season, the most in one season since 1989. 
• Richards logged the ninth draw of his career, which is the most in UT history for a goal-keeper. 
• All of Tampa’s matches have been decided by a single goal or less. The last game decided by two or more goals came against the University of South Florida in an August exhibition. 

UP NEXT: The University of Tampa welcome Saint Leo on Tuesday evening as we will honor our seniors in the last match of their career. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

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