Box Score FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team (6-7-1, 3-5-0 SSC) finished its Sunshine State Conference schedule with a loss to national contenders, the No. 4 Lynn Fighting Knights (13-1-1, 7-0-1 SSC), 4-0 Wednesday at the NSU Soccer Complex.
The Sharks gave up two goals in each half to a Fighting Knights team that has gone unbeaten in conference play. Lynn scored goals in the fourth minute and the 23rd minute of the first half to build an early lead. Chris Hellmann, who scored twice in the match, recorded the first before Nicolas Mortensen added the second.
Despite the early deficit, the Sharks stayed in their offense and pushed for a scoring opportunity. NSU nearly scored on its first corner in the 11th minute, but the Fighting Knights recorded back-to-back saves in the box to keep the Sharks off the board. NSU had another opportunity to score in the 40th minute on a deep free kick from the left side, but
Andrea Spuntarelli's (Sr., Rome, Italy) strike went high and wide.
NSU had six shots in the first half, two on goal, and were threatening the Fighting Knights to start the second period. However, Lynn put the match away with two more goals in the 60th and 63rd minute. Lukas Zlatartis scored his team's third goal and Hellmann finished his fantastic night by converting a penalty kick.
The Sharks had an opportunity to get on the board in the 72nd minute.
Guido Riffeser (Jr., Bolzano, Italy) sent a free kick into the box that was deflected to
Victor Cardoso (Sr., Sao Paulo, Brazil). The Sharks' leading scorer made a great strike, but Lynn's goalkeeper, Lucas Fancello, matched with his best save of the night. In the 76th minute,
Karl Enarsson (Jr., Gothenburg, Sweden) had a clean look at the goal and took a shot from 40 yards out. The strike was nearly perfect, but sailed just north of the crossbar.
In the end, Lynn outshot the Sharks, 20-10, and forced NSU goalkeeper
Andrea Giombetti (Sr., Rome, Italy) to make five saves.
The Sharks will celebrate Senior Night in their final home match on Saturday against the Tampa Spartans at 6 p.m.
