Lopes Brace Sparks Spartan Comeback Win

MORROW, Ga. — The No. 7 University of Tampa men's soccer team finished their Georgia trip with a morning tilt against the Clayton State Lakers.

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final Score: #7 Tampa 2, Clayton State 1

Records: #7 Tampa 3-0-1, Clayton State 1-2-1

Location: Laker Field | Morrow, Ga.

All-time series: The Spartans lead the all-time series with the Lakers 11-3-2.

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

First Half: 

The Spartans fell behind for the first time this season as the Lakers struck early in the third minute. The Spartans leaned on another strong first half from GK Alex Hare as he recorded three first half saves to keep the Lakers from further scoring.

Score: 1-0 Clayton State

Second Half: 

The Spartans started the second half strong as Rodrigo Lopes netted two goals in the space of five minutes to launch the Spartans from behind to ahead. The Spartans kept up the pressure and threatened to extend their lead multiple times as recorded a total of five Shots On Goal in the second half.

Score: 2-1 Tampa 

INSIDE THE STATS:

• Hare started in goal for the Spartans, recording 5 saves.
• Lopes recorded 5 total shots with 3 SOG.
• William Waters recorded the first assist of his Spartan career. 
• Four Spartans played the full 90 minutes; Luca Bergmann, Leonard Bogeskar, Hare, and Cherif Tammar.

UP NEXT: The Spartans start conference play as they travel to Daytona Beach, Fla. to take on Embry-Riddle next Saturday at 7:00pm.