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FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team (5-5-1) will travel to St. Augustine, Fla. to play a regional match Wednesday against the Flagler Saint (5-8-1) at 6 p.m.
The match is one of two final nonconference matches, with the other coming against the Tampa Spartans on Nov. 1 that does not count against NSU's Sunshine State Conference record. The Sharks have their sights set on a spot in the SSC Tournament, making NSU's Oct. 25 match against Eckerd (4:30 p.m.) and Oct. 29 match against No. 6 Lynn (6 p.m.) crucial to their fate. Wednesday's match against the Saints will serve as the final opportunity for the Sharks to prepare for the home stretch.
Currently, NSU sits in sole possession of sixth place in the SSC with six points. Tampa, with two SSC matches left, are a point ahead of NSU in fifth place. Barry finds itself in seventh with five points, but still have a game in hand. Tampa will host Eckerd Tuesday night, while Barry travels to Florida Tech Wednesday. Although NSU's result will not play a factor in the standings, the Sharks will have a clear vision of what it will take to make the postseason after Wednesday.
Flagler has been a formidable side in recent years, making the NCAA Tournament in five straight seasons heading into this year. However, the Saints' run of dominance is in trouble after a recent skid of five straight losses. Flagler's last win came against UNC Pembroke on Oct. 4. Flagler will need to win its final three matches and earn a victory in the Peach Belt Tournament in order to avoid the lowest amount of wins for the program since becoming a full member of NCAA Division II.
Flagler and NSU have a long history that dates back to both school competing in the NAIA's Florida Sun Conference. Overall, NSU holds a 17-7-1 record over the Saints dating back to 1990. However, since Flagler joined NSU in DII in 2008 the squads have only met once, a 4-0 win for Flagler in 2008. It was a shocking first loss of the 2008 season for the Sharks, who were ranked ninth in the nation at the time.
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