LIVE VIDEO | LIVE STATSFORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – Six graduating seniors will play their final match at the NSU Soccer Complex Saturday, as the Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team (6-7-1) host the Tampa Spartans (8-6-2) at 6 p.m.
The seniors being honored prior to the match Saturday are:
Andrea Giombetti (Rome, Italy),
Vincenzo Padula (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.),
David Robles (Miami, Fla.),
Victor Cardoso (Sao Paulo, Brazil),
Andrea Spuntarelli (Rome, Italy) and
Nicola Brivio (Gallarate, Italy).
Although this is their final home game, they will still have a chance to extend their careers in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, beginning Nov. 4 when the Sharks face Rollins in the quarterfinals. NSU enters the tournament as the 5th seed, and with a win, will advance to the semifinals in Boca Raton, Fla. on Nov. 7.
On Saturday, the Sharks will look to build momentum for the tournament and avenge a loss earlier in the season against the Spartans. Tampa got the better of NSU on Oct. 18, 2-0 at Pepin Stadium, the most historic and possibly most difficult environment to play in in the SSC. The Sharks had nine shots on goal that night, but Tampa made several crucial stops, including a save on a penalty kick.
Since then, the Sharks earned their biggest win of the season against Eckerd, 3-1, which vaulted them into the postseason. Tampa has gone 0-2 against Eckerd and Rollins since the win and have been eliminated for postseason contention. Saturday's match will be Tampa's final match of the year, and the Spartans will be gunning for a big win to end their campaign.
Tampa has not had a win at the NSU Soccer Complex since 2011. The last time the Spartans made a visit to Fort Lauderdale in 2013 they were ranked 18th in the nation, but the Sharks were able to hold them to a scoreless draw.
Live video for Saturday's match is available HERE, while live stats can be found HERE. Be sure to follow @NSUSharks on Twitter for updates throughout the match.
