MELBOURNE, Fla. – Saint Leo University sophomore Maximilian Schulze-Geisthovel scored in the 83rd minute to cap a dramatic comeback and lift the fourth-ranked Lions to a 3-2 win over Florida Tech, in a Sunshine State Conference men's soccer matchup Saturday night at Rick Stottler Field.
The Lions improved to 6-0-2 overall, 3-0-0 in the SSC, and are tied with Lynn University atop the league standings with nine points. Florida Tech fell to 5-3-1, 2-1-0 SSC with the loss.
Saint Leo was forced to come up with three goals in the second half to erase Florida Tech's 2-0 advantage at the break.
Senior Alexander Racca started the Lions on the comeback prowl when he scored his first goal of the season on a penalty kick in the 53rd minute.
That goal sparked some life into the Saint Leo offense, which generated a pair of shots and three corner kick opportunities over the next 15 minutes.
Saint Leo finally evened the game at 2-2 in the 72nd minute when Schulze-Geisthovel scored the first of his two goals of the night. Franck Bayebanen started the play with a cross, which was settled by Melvin Agyei Boateng. Boateng slipped the ball over to Schulze-Geisthovel, who finished the play for his second goal of the season.
The Lions maintained their pressure on the Panthers and produced four more shots and six more corner kicks in a ten-minute span. Schulze-Geisthovel finally broke through with the game winner in the 83rd minute, after taking a cross into the box by Racca.
Florida Tech's Adin Kavara notched the Panthers' first goal in the 20th minute, finishing on a through ball sent in by Nicolas Dreyer.
The Panthers doubled their lead to 2-0 with just 30 seconds remaining in the opening frame on a goal by Forrest Fegert. Fegert headed a ball past Saint Leo keeper Manuel Schoenhuber, after it was flicked into the box by Trey Collins. Jack Willison, who started the play with a throw in to Collins, was also credited with an assist.
Florida Tech outshot Saint Leo, 17-14, over the course of 90 minutes, while the Lions enjoyed a commanding 12-5 advantage in corner kicks.
Schoenhuber finished the night with six saves, matching his season high set in the Lions' win Tuesday over Tampa. Florida Tech keeper Mitch Thorn charted a pair of saves in the loss.
Saint Leo continues its three-game stretch of road games on Tuesday, Oct. 7, when it faces Palm Beach Atlantic University in a 7:00 p.m. start.
For the latest news, updates, and information on the Saint Leo men's soccer team, visit SaintLeoLions.com. Fans can also stay up-to-date on the latest Lions news by following Saint Leo Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
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