MELBOURNE, Fla. – Florida Tech men's soccer rallied from an early deficit to defeat No. 13 Clayton State, 2-1, at Rick Stottler Field.
Francesco Micheli provided the first-half equalizer before
Caio de Amorim de Deus converted a penalty kick early in the second half to secure the Panthers' first ranked victory of the season.
GAME INFORMATION:
Score: Florida Tech 2
| #13 Clayton State 1
Records: Florida Tech 2-1-1 (0-0-0 SSC)
| #13 Clayton State 2-1-1 (0-0-0 PBC)
Location: Rick Stottler Field | Melbourne, Fla.
GAME NOTES:
- Florida Tech came out aggressive offensively, recording four shots in the opening nine minutes, including Logan Collins hitting the crossbar and William Kennedy forcing a save.
- Clayton State struck first in the 18th minute as the Lakers found the back of the net to put the Lakers ahead 1-0.
- The Panthers answered in the 27th minute when Francesco Micheli scored the equalizer, with Victor Thompson Jr. and Matteo Tzimas picking up the assists to make it 1-1.
- Tech continued to apply pressure late in the half, earning multiple corners while Erlend Drechsler and Leny Duperray each put shots on frame that were saved.
- The Panthers entered halftime tied 1-1 with Clayton State.
- Florida Tech wasted little time taking the lead as Caio de Amorim de Deus converted a penalty kick in the 47th minute, putting the Panthers ahead 2-1.
- Tech continued to create opportunities, with Leny Duperray forcing a save in the 55th minute before Tobias Vik Asbo added another attempt in the 64th.
- Elias Ronning Orn helped preserve the advantage with a save in the 71st minute.
- The Panthers kept the pressure on down the stretch as Daniele Aracri put two shots on goal and de Amorim de Deus forced another save in the 78th minute.
- Tech's defense held Clayton State scoreless throughout the second half to secure the 2-1 victory.
BEYOND THE BOXSCORE:
- The Panthers grabbed their first win against the Lakers all-time
- First meeting in Melbourne since a 2-1 Lakers win on August 28, 2006.
- Florida Tech is 24-13-6 all-time against the PBC.
- Nick Robinson the third head coach in program history to win 20 games in his first three seasons in charge, joining Mike Eldridge and Rick Stottler.
UP NEXT:
The Panthers return to the pitch in just two days, hosting Mars Hill on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. at Rick Stottler Field.
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.
SCHOLARS. CHAMPIONS. LEADERS.
