SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Soccer Field was filled with excitement and thrills in a matchup between two of the Top 10 teams in the nation, but the match against the two Sunshine State Conference rivals turned sour Saturday night as the #2 Palm Beach Atlantic Sailfish escaped with a 2-1 decision over the #9 Saint Leo University Men's soccer team Saturday night.
 
The Lions (4-2, 0-1 SSC) were in control of the contest for 83 minutes before momentum swung heavily in the favor of the Sailfish (5-0, 1-0 SSC).  This win marked the first time since 2018 that PBA topped Saint Leo.
 
PBA nearly doubled its shot count, outshooting the Green & Gold 15-8.  Graduate Goalkeeper Ricardo Ceballos recorded eight saves on the night.
 
In a bloodbath that saw both sides combine for 41 fouls, it was the Lions that scored the first goal of the game, a successful penalty kick from Graduate Midfielder Ander Dulce in the 32nd minute that gave Saint Leo the advantage heading into the half.
 
Ironically, Palm Beach Atlantic would equalize in penalty kick fashion as PBA's Federico Serra tied the contest 1-1 in the 83rd minute.  The game-winner would come to fruition four minutes later, as PBA drove down the pitch in which Harry Gardner slotted the shot bottom left to lift the Sailfish over the Lions 2-1 for its first conference win.
 
Lions by the Numbers
1:        Goal scored
2:        Corner kicks
8:        Total shots
15:      Goals on the season
 
The Lions will look to regroup Wednesday against Eckerd College; kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.
 
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.