SAINT LEO, Fla. – With the season on the line, the Saint Leo University Men's soccer team clawed its way back into the Sunshine State Conference race Wednesday night with a 1-0 upset win over RV University of Tampa at Saint Leo University Soccer Field, snapping a four-game skid against the Red & Black.
 
The Lions (7-5, 2-4 SSC) had a defensive performance like no other this season, as Graduate Goalkeeper Ricardo Ceballos and the Saint Leo backline denied all 21 of Tampa's (4-4-1, 2-2-1 SSC) shots.  Ceballos finished the night with four saves.
 
Chances were at a premium Wednesday night, as the Lions recorded just six total shots.
 
While neither team budged in the first half with a 0-0 score line, the Spartans nearly tried every attempt to capitalize, outshooting the Green & Gold 11-3 in the first 45 minutes.
 
For the second, consecutive game, Graduate Midfielder Ander Dulce delivered the game-winner, as Sophomore Noah Kvifte fed a pass to the Logrono, Spain native who pinballed the shot off the right post and into the net to put the Lions up 1-0 in the 67th minute.
 
For the remainder of the contest, UT would see plenty of chances sail wide or stopped by Ceballos.  The Spartans also had a few key rebound opportunities that failed to equalize the score line.
 
"Any win in the SSC is difficult, and like most of the league, Tampa is one of the best teams in the country" said Head Coach Brett Parker.  "Tonight we had to work very hard defensively and did enough to get a big result at home."
 
Lions by the Numbers
0:        Goals allowed
1:        Goals scored
2:        Game-winning goals from Ander Dulce
3:        Season goals for Ander Dulce
4:        Shutout wins for Ricardo Ceballos
5:        Lions registering shots
6:        Years since the Lions last defeated Tampa
7:        Wins on the season
8:        Games against NCAA DII teams with one-goal differences
9:        Overall wins against Tampa
 
With the 1-0 win, Saint Leo now has six points in the conference standings, just four points away from both the tournament picture and second place.
Saint Leo will finish its regular season home slate Saturday for Senior night as the Lions host Nova Southeastern.  The Seniors will be honored just before the contest's 6 p.m. kickoff time.
 
For the latest news, updates, and information on Saint Leo Men's soccer, 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.