The Lion’s roar was loud enough to quiet the Spartans women soccer team in a 1-0 defeat Wednesday night that ended Tampa’s 43-game home game win streak.
Throughout the game, the Spartans were in control of the ball, but had difficulties in getting the ball in the goal.
“We need to work on the last third of the field,” said assistant coach Don Tobin. “We just need to go to the goal. Mid-field and defense are doing well.”
The Spartans out-shot Lions four shots on goal to one, their one shot being the penalty kick, from a questionable tripping call on Maria Mohammed.
“The first half we had opportunities and we played well,” said Courtney Evans. “We couldn’t capitalize. It was a tough loss, but we have to come out strong on Saturday [against Barry].”
Saint Leo has been known as a more aggressive team than most. Going into the second half, the Lion’s got their only yellow card of the game for foul play. Two other cards were almost given to the coach and a player who had aggressively pushed another.
The Spartans had very few substitutes during the game. The starters of the game were mainly the people who played a majority of the 90 minutes.
“People were getting tired out there,” said Shannon Agnew. “We didn’t have enough energy on the field.”
Tampa’s last remaining games are all against Sunshine State Conference teams. To proceed to the NCAA tournament next month, the Spartans must rank in the top four of their conference. Currently the Spartans are tied for first. These next three games will count big if they plan on making the tournament.
“This loss could be a good thing,” said Tobin. “We don’t have to be worried about our home win record and now we can show how good we really are.”
The Spartans play this Saturday in the homecoming game against Barry at 5pm.