Stalwart defense stymies Spartans in nationally-ranked showdown
SAINT LEO, Fla. (September 30, 2014) The fourth-ranked Saint Leo men's soccer team stayed unbeaten on the season with a 1-0 victory over the No. 24 Tampa Spartans on Tuesday evening at University Field. The win advances the Lions' record to 5-0-2, and 2-0-0 in Sunshine State Conference action, while the Spartans drop to a record of 5-3-1, and 0-2-0 in the SSC.
The goal was earned in the 85th minute of play thanks to the determined duo of Maximilian Schulze-Geisthovel and Brandon Rivera. Schulze-Geisthovel gained possession on the left wing, and crossed the ball to Rivera who was waiting at the top right of the box. With a quick turn, and a move around his defender, Rivera was able to catch the Tampa keeper too far out from his post, and shot the ball into the right corner for the game-winner.
Junior goalkeeper Manuel Schoenhuber came up clutch on the night, earning six key saves for the Lions to keep the Red and Gold off of the scoreboard. Thanks to a resolute back line that remained unshaken throughout the contest despite 13 shots and seven shots on frame from Tampa, the Spartans were unable to take down the Green and Gold. A team save in the 58th minute, as well as a brilliant stop by Schoenhuber in the 89th minute off of a shot from about five yards out from Andrew Clare, held Tampa scoreless and earned Schoenhuber his sixth shutout of the season.
The Lions led the game in shots, 17-13, but the Spartans were able to place seven shots on target compared the four from Saint Leo. The Green and Gold earned seven saves on the night, while Zak Downes earned credit for three saves in his 90 minutes between the posts.
Schulze-Geisthovel led the game with six shots, while Alexander Racca was able to fire off three. Both Brandon Rivera and Josh Davis shot two apiece. Rivera, Schulze-Geisthovel, Racca, and Melvin Agyei Boateng were able to place one shot apiece on target. For the Spartans, Keith Francisco and Kevin Knowles led the shot count with three each, while Francisco, Knowles, and Clare placed two shots each on frame.
"Our mentality was flat at the beginning of the night, there was no energy or enthusiasm from the beginning, even during warmups," said head coach Keith Fulk. "They're a young team, and they just need to learn how to bring it every day. We were able to come out on top tonight, and we're pleased with the end result, but we still have a long way to go."
The Lions return to action on Saturday October 4, when they travel to Melbourne, Fla. to take on Florida Tech in SSC play. Game time against the Panthers is slated for 7 p.m.
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.
