MELBOURNE, Fla.- Florida Tech hosted Nova Southeastern in its conference opener on Saturday night. It was a gritty battle between the two teams in a close match, but the Panthers came out on top 3-2. Tech improves to 4-0-2 on the season.
 
INSIDE THE MATCHUP:
Final: #3 Florida Tech 3, Nova Southeastern 2
Records: Florida Tech (4-0-2, 1-0-0 SSC) | Nova Southeastern (3-2-0, 0-1-0 SSC)
Locations: Rick Stottler Field | Melbourne, Fla. 
 
STATS OF THE MATCH:

• The Panthers brought the energy early in the match, notching their first goal before the first minute of the game.
• A pass from Osvaldo Santana found Ettore Casadei in perfect position to put the Panthers on top 1-0.
• In the 18^th minute, Alessandra Salvadego was able to sneak one into the net to tie the game.
• At the half, the score remained tied 1-1.
• Both teams came out of the half looking to score the game-winning goal.
• Fabio Amaral passed the ball to Joakim Jahnsen and Jahnsen passed it back to Amaral who soared a shot into the back of the net to give Tech a 2-1 lead with 20 minutes left to play.
•  Just a few minutes Fabio Amaral took a pass from Jacopo Ghezzi, settled the ball, and deposited his shot into the back of the net to give the Panthers a 3-1 cushion in the 71^st minute.
• The Sharks battled back in the 81^st minute with a goal by Zyan Andrade, cutting the deficit to 3-2.  
• Florida Tech outshot Nova Southeastern 17-6, with 10 shots on goal.
• The Sharks had the edge in corner kicks, 6-5.
• A total of 13 cards were handed out in tonight's match, including four red cards.
• The Sharks goalie, Eduardo D'Avino recorded seven saves, while Parker Christensen recorded one. 

 
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:

• Florida Tech is now 24-10-3 in the all-time series record against Nova Southeastern.
• The Panthers have won 13 of the last 17 meetings.
• This is Florida Tech's first win at home versus the Sharks since October 12, 2016, in a 2-1 victory.
• Casadei scored his fourth goal of the season, the 9^th of his career.
• Ettore Casadei is 3^rd in the SSC with four goals.
• Fabio Amaral scored his third goal of the season, the 9^th of his career.
• Joakim Jahnsen and Jacopo Ghezzi both notched their first assists of the year.
• Parker Christen recorded his first career win today as goalkeeper. 

UP NEXT: Florida Tech will visit Saint Leo next Saturday, September 23 at 7PM.

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