The Spartans played two important Sunshine State Conference matches this week, showing positive outcomes in both.
On Oct. 12, the men played Florida Southern College in Lakeland, while returning home to Pepin Stadium three days later to face the Florida Institute of Technology.
Before the games began last week, Brian Fekete shared his thoughts on the Spartan’s season thus far.
“I think an undefeated season from here on out can be a possibility for us. We made that our goal last Monday when we sat down and had an hour long meeting about where we’re at and what needs to change.”
Fekete continued to comment on the attitude of the Tampa squad.
“Everybody has really come together and, for the first time this season, it seems like we actually believe and want nothing less than to be number one in the nation when the season comes to a close.”
The game versus FSC was a very quiet one until the 69th minute. University of Tampa junior Greg Sasser took a shot on the goal which was saved by FSC’s goalkeeper. Sasser took another shot off the rebound and, this time, put the ball in the net.
Senior Lister Warren and sophomore Brock Jennings each collected an assist on the goal.
Less than 30 seconds later, Tampa brought the ball downfield toward the FSC goal.
Sasser crossed the ball from the right end line and a sliding FSC defender knocked the ball into the net for an own goal.
The own goal allowed the score to increase to 2-0 with Tampa in the lead.
The last 20 minutes of the game were silent ones with neither team scoring a goal. The match would end in a UT victory.
Tampa’s record improved to 9-4 on the season and 3-2 in the SSC.
Head coach Adrian Bush commented on the win.
“Florida Southern is a fantastic team and the 2-0 result on the road was one of our finest performances of the year.”
On Oct. 15, the Tampa squad faced yet another SSC opponent, Florida Tech, in a particularly physical match.
Tampa spoke first at the 30-minute mark when senior Jordan Moses fed the ball to Lister Warren who shot the ball to record a team-high seventh goal on the season. At halftime the scoreboard read 1-0.
Thirty eight minutes later Florida Tech responded with a goal of their own when a Florida Tech player scored off the rebound of a free kick from his teammate. The score was tied at 1-1.
Regular time would end with the game points still even. The two teams entered their first ten-minute overtime and finished it without either team scoring a goal.
In the second OT, the story was similar to the first. Neither Tampa nor Florida Tech was able to put one passed either goalkeeper for the golden goal and the victory.
The game ended in a tie with a score of 1-1.
During the match versus Florida Tech, a total of six yellow cards were issued. UT received two while Florida Tech received four. Four of the game’s six yellow cards were issued within the second half or the second OT, making it blatantly obvious that both teams would not be content with either a loss or a tie; both teams were looking for a W in the books.
UT’s record became 9-4-1 and 3-2-1 in conference play.
A non-conference game versus Flagler resulted in a Spartan loss on Tuesday, Oct. 19. With the loss, UT’s overall record dropped to 9-5-1, while their conference record did not change.
The teams were tied at one at the end of regulation after goals by UT’s Lister Warren and FC’s Toby Joseph. After a scoreless first overtime period, the game was ended on a rebound goal by Saints forward Mack Hough
Coach Bush commented on the team nearing the end of its regular season.
“Every game from here on out is a must win, our season is on the line. It is no different than the past month, we play the toughest schedule in Division II soccer.
“That will get us ready for the level of play needed to contend for a National Championship.”
He continued to comment on the importance of the upcoming SSC games.
“No game in our conference is a push over and we must maintain our focus the final two weeks if we plan to be one of the six teams to make the conference tournament.”
UT will be on the road at Lynn this Saturday, Oct. 23 at 2 p.m.
Maya Todd can be reached at mtodd@spartans.ut.edu.