DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Men's soccer team took a step forward in the right direction Saturday afternoon, as the Lions overcame adversity with three, second-half goals to defeat Embry-Riddle 3-2 at ERAU Soccer Stadium for the team's first Sunshine State Conference win of the season.
The win marked the first time since 2014 that Saint Leo (6-5, 1-4 SSC) won a contest after trailing by multiple goals at the half. Sophomore
Luca Tiozzo came off the bench with two perfect shots that resulted in scores that tied the contest before Graduate
Ander Dulce delivered the game-winner.
The shot count was fairly balanced, as the Lions had 14 compared to the 15 made by Embry-Riddle (2-6-3, 0-4-2 SSC).
After two quick goals scored by the Eagles 25 minutes into the match, it appeared that the Lions were on their way to another setback, as ERAU maintained a 2-0 lead heading into intermission.
For the Green & Gold, however, the second half proved to be a season-defining test of will and overcoming the odds, as the Green & Gold slowly worked their way back into the contest. In the 78th minute, Tiozzo took a shot that deflected off a defender and into the next that cut the deficit before the Como, Italy native was back inside the Keeper's box moments later to boot in the equalizer thanks to a cross from Dulce.
Dulce himself would have an opportunity to contribute to the scoring trio, as the Midfielder slotted a top shelf shot in the 84th minute that not only became the go-ahead goal but the difference needed to lift the Lions back over .500 on the season and into the conference win column.
Lions by the Numbers
1: SSC Wins
2: Saves made by Goalkeeper
Ricardo Ceballos
3: Goals scored
4: Corner kicks
5: Shots on goal
6: Wins in 2022
9: Reserves in the contest
14: Total shots
Saint Leo will have a tough stretch in the next three contests, beginning with a home Wednesday match against #11 University of Tampa; kickoff at Saint Leo University Soccer Field is scheduled 7 p.m.
