The No. 10 University of Tampa Spartans defeated the No. 5 Tars of 2-1 to advance to the NCAA Quarterfinals. With the win Tampa advances to 17-2-1 while Rollins’ season ends with a record of 17-3-1.
Behind first half goals of Dan Ingvarsson and Greg O’Connor UT held off Rollins. Ryan Thompson continued his strong season, allowing only one goal while marking three saves. The goal came in the 66th minute.
The goal allowed against Rollins was only the 17th goal allowed by the Tampa defense all year. “My defense been fantastic, they really understand their position,” Pascal Milien, said. “They are the ones who push me every game to getting better and score goals, because I truly believe as long I’m scoring goals they are not let anything in.”
Lister Warren agreed. “It’s a formidable unit, consisting of four of our five seniors,” he said. “Their hunger for a national title sums [their play] up in nut-shell.”
Coming off a loss in the SSC Championship UT had an uphill battle. It looked like the Spartans would host all post-season play at Pepin Stadium, until the Barry Buccaneers took down Tampa in the SSC final. “We knew we had to refocus and come again because we were aware of what is ahead,” Warren said. “We have never lost back to back games. We don’t like to lose.”