SAINT LEO, Fla. – The Saint Leo University Men's soccer team continued its slump into Wednesday night, as the Lions were upset by the Tritons of Eckerd College 3-2 Wednesday night at Saint Leo University Soccer Field.
 
For the second, straight game, the Green & Gold (4-3, 0-2 SSC) could not hold the lead late in the second half.  Saint Leo registered 15 shots but could only land three on net.
 
Graduate Forward Miguel Fernandez's return to the pitch provided a spark to the Lions' attack, recording both goals on the night.
 
Graduate Goalkeeper Ricardo Ceballos tallied five saves facing 16 shots from the Tritons (2-0-3, 1-0 SSC).
 
The first half was deadlocked for all but two seconds, as Eckerd's last-second score gave the Navy & Aqua a 1-0 lead head into intermission.
 
Saint Leo received a big break in the second half when EC Goalkeeper Lynden Dawson tripped up Sophomore Noah Kvifte on a 1-on-1 breakaway chance with just the keeper to beat, setting up a Penalty Kick opportunity that Fernandez buried in the side of the net to tie the game 1-1 in the 52nd minute.  The native of Malaga, Spain would post the go-ahead goal just seven minutes, as a brilliant pass in traffic from Sophomore Sebastian Inigo set up Fernandez to squeeze in the shot once more past Dawson for the 2-1 lead.
 
Eckerd would find its own redemption in the 71st minute, as a foul from Kvifte set up a free kick for Tommy Shepherd that found its way into the net for the equalizer.  The Tritons would retake the lead in the 81st minute when the pass from Daniel Bloomfield found Blake Bauer, crossing it to Fredrik Heise who slotted the shot in the lower left side of the net to ultimately put the Tritons up for good 3-2.
 
Lions by the Numbers
2:        Goals scored
3:        Shots on goal  
5:        Straight defeats to the Tritons
7:        Miguel Fernandez goals as a Lion
15:      Total shots
 
Saint Leo will look to snap its skid Saturday when the team hosts Warner from the NAIA's SUN Conference.  Kickoff against the Royals 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.