Box Score BOX SCORE
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team lost in heartbreaking fashion Friday in its season opener, falling to Young Harris, 2-1, at the NSU Soccer Complex.
The game was an even battle down the stretch. Young Harris, who were ranked as high as sixth nationally last season, scored the game-winning goal in the 89th minute off a corner kick. Niall McCabe played the ball into the box and caught Paco Craig, who sent it in the bottom right corner of the goal.
The Sharks' loan score came in highlight-reel fashion in the 79th minute. Junior
Andrea Spuntarelli (Rome) took a pass back from
Nicola Brivio (So., Gallarte, Italy) and sent a ball from 35 yards out off of the left post and back into the net. It was the first collegiate goal for the midfielder who was making his 26th start as a Shark.
The first half was a tactical affair, with neither team taking the advantage.
Viktor Jonsson (Fr., Reykjavik, Iceland) took the Sharks' first shot of the season in the 24th minute but had it blocked. 10 minutes into the second half, Young Harris scored its first goal of the year to take the advantage. Ilija Ilic received a through ball right in front of the goal and put it out of reach of goalkeeper
Andrea Giombetti (Jr., Rome).
Mattia Marzetti (So., Rome) had a shot early in the second half and forced a diving Young Harris save. Brivio would register a shot on goal from just inside the box before earning an assist on the equalizing goal. The Sharks had their best chance to score the go-ahead goal in the 85th minute, when Jonsson went 1-on-1 with the keeper but sent the ball just over the cross bar.
Young Harris would score the game-winner on a corner kick that would prove to be the final scoring opportunity for either team. It was only the third corner kick allowed by NSU on the night.
The Sharks will look to even their record on Sunday, hosting North Georgia at 1 p.m. at the NSU Soccer Complex. Fans can follow the match via live video
HERE and live stats
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