ST. LEO, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern University men's soccer team (5-5-0, 1-3-0 SSC) took a heart-breaking, 1-0 loss on the road Saturday to the Saint Leo Lions (4-4-0, 2-2-0 SSC) on a goal conceded in the 80th minute.
The first half featured a tactical battle in which the Sharks quelled the home team's offense. Saint Leo only managed three shots in the half, with two on target. NSU was rarely threatened in the first 45 minutes, but did not hae many opportunities to scores themselves. However, the Sharks' lone shot in the half forced a tough save on a chance from
Caue Munareti Rodrigues (Jr., Sao Paulo, Brazil).
NSU looked strong coming out of halftime.
Stefano Fanfoni (Sr., Cremona, Italy) opened up the action in the 47th minute with a strike to force the Lions' second save of the night. Just after the 60th minute mark,
Jacob Sumaljag (Fr., North Port, Fla.) had a pair of opportunities nearly go in. The first was blocked for a corner, while the second, just a couple of minutes later, forced a save.
The match opened up within the last 20 minutes and both teams took more chances to get ahead. Despite a couple strong shots on goal from
Filippo Mancini (So., Genova, Italy), the Lions would be the first to find the back of the net. In the 80th minute, Bafou Sanogo punched one in from close range after heavy action in NSU's penalty box.
NSU had a pair of chances after the goal, including a last-minute strike from Fanfoni, but could not equalize. The Sharks finished scoreless, despite seven of eight shots on target.
Coming off four straight road matches, NSU will return home Wednesday to host the Florida Tech Panthers at 7 p.m. The night will serve as the team's Think Pink event.
