Box Score FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University women's soccer team (2-1-0) took its first loss of the season Saturday, falling to the No. 19 Tampa Spartans (6-0-1), 2-0, at the NSU Soccer Complex.
The first half featured a chess match over the first 34 minutes. Neither team could break out for a serious attack, with NSU goalkeeper
Amanda Kopale (So., Cape Coral, Fla.) recording the period's only save. Tampa would eventually push ahead in the 35th minute. Cici Gonzalez scored the opening goal with a shot from the right corner of the 18-yard box. A lunging Kopale had a hand on it but could not make the crucial save.
Down by a goal in the second half, NSU came out much more aggressive and were more active on offense. NSU nearly tied the match on a scramble in the 50th minute.
Balea Schumacher (Fr., New Port Richey, Fla.) took a strike that was blocked and ricocheted to fellow freshman
Carley Montgomery (Sanford, Fla.). Montgomery immediately fired another shot, forcing Tampa keeper Caroline Frykgard to make her first save.
Tampa scored the final goal of the match in the 76th minute. Gabby Russo would strike for Tampa on a scramble in the box, slipping the ball into the bottom right corner of the net for her second goal of the year.
Despite the multiple-goal defecit, NSU continued to press the action.
Sierra Lelii (Jr., Seminole, Fla.) had another opportunity in the 78th minute, but Frykgard came up big once again. With 10 minutes remaining,
Stephanie Moench (Jr., Austin, Texas) took NSU's final shot on goal, but could not convert.
NSU finished the match with nine shots, four on goal. Kopale had three saves.
The Sharks will look to rebound with a Tuesday home match against Florida Memorial at 4:30 p.m.
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