Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
FIT Logo
The Official Website of Florida Tech Athletics

Florida Tech Panthers

MSOC ssc semi final win celebrate
Josiann Keenan
1
Tampa TPA (7-7-3, 4-3-3)
2
Winner Florida Tech FIT (9-0-6, 5-0-5)
Tampa TPA
(7-7-3, 4-3-3)
1
Final
2
Florida Tech FIT
(9-0-6, 5-0-5)
Winner
Score By Periods
Team 1 2 F
Tampa TPA 0 1 1
Florida Tech FIT 1 1 2

Game Recap: Men's Soccer | | Tiffany Jacobs

Lafuente’s game-winning goal sends the Panthers to the SSC Championship Game

MELBOURNE, Fla.- The Florida Tech men's soccer team defeated Tampa Thursday night in a thriller in the Sunshine State Conference tournament semi-finals. It was a hard-fought battle between the two teams, but the Panthers were able to come away with the win.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #7 Florida Tech 2, Tampa 1
Records:  #7 Florida Tech (9-0-6, 6-0-5 SSC) | Tampa (7-6-3, 4-4-3 SSC)
Locations: Rick Stottler Field | Melbourne, Fla. 
 
STATS OF THE MATCH: 
  • Florida Tech brought the energy from kick-off, dominating in the first half. Tech outshot Tampa 8-4 in the first half.
  • The Panthers wasted no time getting on the board early in the first half.
  •  In the 15th minute of play., Jacopo Ghezzi sent a perfect cross to Jack Edwards right in front of the net and Edwards was able to head it in the back of the net.
  • Tampa had two shots on goal before the half, but Tech's defense was able to keep them off the board.  
  • At the half, Tech led 1-0.
  • The Spartans came out of the half eager to score.
  • Tampa's Omar Thali was able to tie it up 1-1 in the 67th minute of play.
  • Now with the game tied at one a piece, both teams were looking for that game-winning goal.
  • The Panthers broke the tie in the 76' minute of play.
  • Julen Lafuente found the back of the net thanks to the assist from Franco Sala Grigioni to put the Panthers on top 2-1.
  • The Spartans had multiple chances to tie the game again, but ultimately the Panthers were able to secure the win.
  • Tech out-shot the Spartans 15-11.
  • Luis Tovar Romero made three saves, while Tampa's Adam Foster recorded one save.
 
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
  • Florida Tech is now 17-35-8 all- time against Tampa. 
  • Last win at home versus Tampa was on Oct. 8, 2013.
  • Third all-time meeting in the SSC Tournament, Tech won the 2006 Quarterfinal on penalties, while Tampa won the 2010 Final in double overtime.
  • This is the ninth all-time meeting between the two in the postseason.
  • This is the first time the Panthers have advanced to the SSC Final game since 2014.
  • Edwards recorded his fifth goal of the season and is tied for most goals on the team.
  • Lafuente picked up his second goal of the season.
  • Ghezzi and Grigioni both recorded their second assist of the season.
 
UP NEXT: Florida Tech will move on and face the No.1 seed Barry in the SSC final on Sunday, Nov. 6th in Miami.

For the latest news, updates and information on the Florida Tech men's soccer team, visit FloridaTechSports.com. Fans can also stay up to date on the latest Panthers news by following Florida Tech Athletics on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
 
 
 
Print Friendly Version