FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Oct. 24, 2009) - The Nova Southeastern men's soccer team clinched a spot in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament with its win over the Saint Leo Lions, 3-2 Saturday night at the NSU Soccer Complex. Craig Heenighan (Jr., Widnes, England) led the Sharks (8-9-0, 3-5-0 SSC) with two goals, including the game winner.

The game got off to a quick start on the cloudy Saturday evening as Romain Onteniente (Sr., Nice, France) scored in the 19th minute. Heenighan earned his only assist in the game when he set up Onteniente, who scored from 10 yards out. It was the senior captain's fourth goal of the season and the 36th of his career. The Sharks outhustled the Lions (6-8-0, 2-5-0 SSC) in the opening half and doubled their shot output with 10.

Heenighan would score his first goal less than a minute into the second half. The junior midfielder played the ball forward to Aly Hassan (Jr., Weston, Fla.) who dribbled up to the goal line, stopped, and passed to Heenighan who scored from 20 yards out on the right side. It was Hassan's fourth assist of the season. He is now second on the team with 16 points.

The two point deficit did not kill the visiting team's spirit as the Lions came roaring back. Saint Leo's Bruce Cutler scored both of his team's goals within a seven minute time frame. The first came off of a cross from Jesper Otterstedt and the second came on a penalty kick in the 59th minute.

Heenighan's game winning goal came late into the 82nd minute. Battling two defenders, Juan Gonzalez (Jr., Pompano Beach, Fla.) dished the ball to Heenighan who scored from 25 yards out on the right side. It is Heenighan's first game winner of the season. He now leads the Sharks in both goals (6) and assists (6). He is also one goal away from matching his career high.

The Nova Southeastern men's soccer team will wrap up the regular season at home this Wednesday, Oct. 28 against the St. Thomas Bobcats at 7 pm.