Pair of Viggo Svedin Goals Propel Tampa To Second Win Over Ranked Opponent
TAMPA, Fla. — The University of Tampa (2-0) men's soccer team continued its early-season statement with a 2–1 victory over No. 21 Auburn Montgomery (1-1) at Pepin Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The win marks Tampa's second straight triumph over a ranked opponent, following Thursday's upset of No. 13 West Florida.
First Half: Svedin Strikes First
Tampa broke through in the 29th minute when Viggo Svedin netted his first goal of the night, finishing a well-placed assist from Loïc Kanku. The goal came shortly after a corner kick and a substitution that brought fresh legs into the attack.
Earlier in the half:
- Gregor Geru fired Tampa's first shot in the 17th minute.
- Svedin had a near miss in the 26th minute, sending a shot just over the top.
- Keeper Alex Hare made a key save in the 31st minute on a shot from AUM's Robiston Lukau.
Tampa entered halftime with a 1–0 lead, despite being outshot 7–4.
Second Half: Svedin Delivers Again
In the 67th minute, Svedin doubled Tampa's lead with a composed finish off a clever assist from Dante Searls, who had just entered the match minutes earlier. The goal capped a dominant performance from Svedin, who led all players with five shots and three on target.
Other second-half highlights:
- Charlie Curtis nearly added to the lead with a shot in the 60th minute.
- Dante Searls forced a save in the 69th minute with a low-driven effort.
- Lorenz Offner rattled the crossbar in the 81st minute, narrowly missing Tampa's third goal.
- Oscar Warne had a late shot saved in the 88th minute as Tampa looked to close out the match.
Late Push by AUM
AUM pulled one back in the 85th minute when Benjamin Hoffman scored off a feed from Noah Fernandes, but Tampa's defense held strong in the final minutes. Hare made a clutch save on Hoffman in the 88th minute to preserve the win.
Stat Leaders
- Viggo Svedin: 2 goals, 5 shots, 3 on goal
- Alex Hare: 2 saves, full 90 minutes in goal
- Dante Searls & Loïc Kanku: 1 assist each
- Lorenz Offner: 1 shot off the woodwork
