MELBOURNE, Fla. (Men's Soccer) - Florida Tech (8-3-1, 5-3 SSC) hoped to send its seven seniors off with a victory in their final regular season home game on Saturday, although it didn't pan out as the Tampa Spartans (9-3-2, 4-3-1 SSC) played the spoiler and knocked off the 22nd-ranked Panthers 3-1 on Senior Night at Rick Stottler Field.

The first half was all Tampa, as Mike Ciluffo's goal 13 minutes into the game set the tone for the remaining 32 minutes. The inability to connect on long balls paired with a stout Spartan defense silenced the Panthers early on. 

UT doubled up Florida Tech in shots 8-4 over the initial 45 minutes of action with both teams attempting three corner kicks in the first half.
 
The second half started out in a similar fashion as the first half, except it was Jake Winship putting the Spartans up 2-0 just 2:20 into the second half. The sting of that second goal threw the Panthers into high gear and they peppered the goal, forcing goaltender Richard Trench to make several athletic saves.

It looked as though the Panthers would play themselves back into the game when Adin Kavara converted a penalty kick with 10:49 remaining in the second half. However, it wasn't enough as the Spartans responded with their third goal with just 42 seconds remaining to hand FIT its first at home this season.

Florida Tech controlled much of the second half action, outshooting UT 16-5 and earning a 4-3 edge in corners.

Trench's play between the pipes was a major factor in the Spartans' victory as the goalkeeper finished with 10 second half saves to earn his third win of the season. Christian Moerch made three saves in the loss as his record dipped to 6-3-1.

Next up for the Panthers is a trip to Miami Shores, Florida for a SSC bout with the Buccaneers of Barry on Tuesday, Oct. 25, at 7 p.m. ET. Links to live coverage can be accessed at FloridaTechSports.com.