Photo Courtesy of Lilly Bouchard
By Lilly Bouchard
The University of Tampa men’s soccer takes the field for more than just a match as they recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month during their annual Pink Night game.
TAMPA, Fla. –– The Spartans faced Florida Tech at Pepin Field on Wednesday for its annual Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Night game.
Although the Spartans fell short in a 2-1 loss, the game represented more than just the final score. The annual pink night game gave them the opportunity to spread awareness and support for those who have battled breast cancer.
Alex Hare, graduate goalie, was disappointed with the loss but played with his loved ones in mind that night.
“My grandma battled breast cancer on a couple of occasions, and I lost my grandad to leukemia, it means a lot to me,” said Hare. “I brought a sign out and I was playing for both of them today.”
The Panthers and Spartans were going back and forth the first 15 minutes until Mason Clark, sophomore midfielder, buried the ball off of an assist from Taka Onoguchi, taking the lead 1-0 in the 16th minute.
“I think there is a lot to be positive about, we were a bit slow out of the box the first 10, 15 minutes, but then getting the goal gave us a bit of momentum, slight change of shape today helped us, overall it is disappointing given the result,” said Hare
Head coach Adrian Bush chose to play a 5-4-1 formation, hoping to control the game defensively with 5 defenders in the back.
The Spartans kept the lead the rest of the first half, then in the 55th minute, Panthers junior defender Tommaso Casade delivered a corner and Marius Brandmayr finished the ball in the back of the net tying the game 1-1.
“We have to defend crosses better, it’s as simple as that,” said Hare. “The scanning has to be better, it’s more of a communication thing than anything from my point of view.”
The Panthers finished the game in the last 2 minutes attacking off of a cross scored by Casade. Spartan defenders Tommaso Polidori and Martin Lauritzen touch on how defensively there is work to be done, especially off of set pieces as that was where the Panthers found success.
“I think we need to communicate more on the weak side,” said Polidori.
The communication between the 5 defenders in the back and goalkeeper Hare lacked once the ball went into the Spartans box.
“Keep our eyes more open and track our runner,” Lauritzen said.
“Defensively we were a lot more solid this game compared to the last three,” said Hare.
“Ultimately it’s those moments in the last five minutes that count. It’s been too many times this season. We have to tighten it up, be stronger and learn from it.”
Last week when the Spartans faced Palm Beach Atlantic, the pattern continued in the final five minutes. PBA ended up scoring, winning the match 4-2. The final minutes of the game is the moment the Spartans have had a repeated pattern of goals scored as Hare mentioned, which has happened against 4 of their opponents this year including Palm Beach Atlantic.
Even though the game did not end the way they wanted Polidori and Lauritzen dedicated the game to Part-Time Assistant Coach Kith Fulk’s ex-wife who battled breast cancer.
“We all dedicate this game to Kieth’s ex wife tonight, Amara,” said Polidori and Lauritzen.
The whole team played for her while honoring her with all their hard work and dedication they have on and off the field not just this game but every game.
“We have lots to approve and I am sure our results will come,” said Polidori.
The Spartans travel to Boca Raton to face Lynn University on Saturday, Oct. 17, with another opportunity to show the improvement Polidori believes will lead to better results.