Box Score FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team (5-3-1, 2-2-0 SSC) won its second straight Sunshine State Conference match Wednesday, taking down the Barry Buccaneers (4-4-1, 1-2-0 SSC), 1-0, at the NSU Soccer Complex.
The Sharks had a back-and-forth battle with Barry in the first half, but neither team scored before halftime despite deadly shots from both sides. Sophomore forward
Victor Nirennold (Rennes, France) drew the attention from Barry and the large home crowd with his aggressive play at the start of the match. He took four shots in the half with two on target that forced big saves from goalkeeper Jimmy McGregor.
Although both sides had their chances, the Sharks looked to take over the match closer to halftime. NSU ended the period with nine shots, three more than the opposition. NSU was efficient in its attack throughout the entire period, with over 50 percent of their shots on target. However, Barry was still dangerous with its counter attack and nearly stole the lead in the 43rd minute. Connor Randle took a hard strike at the opposite side of the goal, but NSU keeper
Andrea Giombetti (Sr., Rome, Italy) made a diving save to keep the match tied.
NSU stayed aggressive in the second half and it paid off in the 58th minute.
Matthias Bruno (Jr., Rome, Italy) sent a ball all the way forward from the back line to a streaking Nirennold. The striker took one touch and fired from close range. McGregor made his eighth save, but Nirennold took the rebound and put the Sharks ahead by a goal. It was Nirennold's second goal in as many matches.
Despite the lead, NSU continued its relentless attack. The Sharks doubled up the Barry shot count in the second half, 12-6. McGregor would finish the match with 10 saves to keep the Bucs in the match until the end. NSU's Giombetti made five saves of his own.
Overall, the Sharks' 21 shots matches the season high set when the Sharks defeated Ave Maria, 6-2. NSU's 11 shots on goal were the most this season, with eight Sharks forcing McGregor to make a save.
The Sharks will look to build on their momentum with a match at Rollins Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 7 p.m.
