Miae Canales scored in the 50th minute, but Lynn University women’s soccer fell 2-1 to Tampa in Sunshine State Conference action Saturday at Pepin Stadium. Lynn University played with 10 players for more than 50 minutes and cut Tampa’s lead to one goal early in the second half. The loss moved Lynn University to 4-7-2 overall and 0-6-2 in conference play.
Tampa took a 2-0 lead before halftime. Avery Bracher scored the opening goal, and Kaylee Gibson added a penalty-kick goal as the Spartans built their advantage. Brooke Auth made three saves in the opening five minutes and another in the 12th minute to keep Lynn University within reach.
Canales brings Lynn University within one
Lynn University responded after halftime when Canales scored at 49:54. Juliana Torres Lopez and Catarina Fernandes assisted on the goal, which was Canales’ first of the season. Torres Lopez earned her third assist of the season, and Canales finished with two shots on goal.
The Fighting Knights outshot Tampa 6-2 in the second half while playing a player down. Alex Rigg sent an attempt over the crossbar in the 62nd minute, and Emma Brunelli made a save in the 71st minute to keep Lynn University within one goal. Lynn University continued to pressure Tampa late, earning a corner kick in the 79th minute before Elise Holcey created another scoring chance.
Torres Lopez forced a save from the Tampa goalkeeper in the 81st minute. Moments later, Canales nearly scored the equalizer, but her attempt toward the top of the net was turned away. Tampa held on for the 2-1 victory after being held scoreless over the final 45 minutes.
Goalkeeping keeps Lynn University close
Lynn University’s goalkeepers combined for seven saves. Auth recorded five saves in 39:31 of action, while Brunelli made two saves in 50:29.
The Fighting Knights finished with 10 shots and four shots on goal. Lynn University limited Tampa to one shot on goal in the final 45 minutes after Tampa recorded eight in the opening half. Despite the second-half pressure, Lynn University could not complete the comeback.
What comes next
Lynn University will face Palm Beach Atlantic in Sunshine State Conference action Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m. The match will be the Fighting Knights’ next opportunity to add to their conference record.
FSB Take
Lynn University’s response after halftime was the defining positive from the loss. The Fighting Knights outshot Tampa 6-2 in the second half, held the Spartans scoreless after the break and created a late chance to tie the match despite playing with 10 players. Canales’ first goal of the season gave Lynn University a chance, but Tampa protected its one-goal lead.
Source: Original report