WINTER PARK, Fla. (October 1, 2008) - The Tars
picked up their third shutout of the season on Wednesday evening
against the Panthers from Florida Tech, 4-0. Both teams came into
the contest struggling offensively, but the Tars were able to
capitalize on their chances and improved to 5-5 overall, 2-1 in the
conference while the Panthers fall to 4-6, 1-2. The win gives the
Tars much needed momentum heading into Saturday's conference
matchup against Tampa and breaks their two match losing streak.
Tars keeper Aaron Rokeach earned his third shutout of the season
by making three saves on 13 shots. The scoring for the Tars came
from Nick Sowers, Bradley Welch, Jacob Deloach, and Stephen
Wright. Ryan Maleknia, Stephen Wright, and Justin Clark had the
assists on the tallies for the Tars.
The Tars attacked first as Sowers scored in the 25th minute of the
game with a shot that went over Panther keeper Derrick Hackett's
head. The Tars scoring first this evening was a sign of more to
come as in the 36th minute Welch was able to dance in front of the
goal and strike a shot past the keeper. The Tars were not done yet
as free kick Jacob Deloach perfectly placed the ball in the upper
right corner of the goal to make it 3-0 in favor of the Tars. The
last tally came in the closing seconds of the first half as Stephen
Wright took a flick from Justin Clark on the left side of the goal
and found the back of the net. The Tars put quality shots on frame
all night and capitalized on opportunities.
The second half saw the Panthers and Tars trading attacks. There
would be no more scoring for either side as the game became a
defensive struggle. The Tars were able to keep the Panthers from
getting quality scoring chances and preserved the clean sheet, a
big plus in the conference season.
The Tars will take on the University of Tampa Spartans on
October 4 in Tampa, Florida.
Fans can listen live to all Tars soccer matches on the Citizens
Bank of Florida Tars Sports Network at RollinsSports.com.
