Ave Maria (FL) men’s soccer lost 2-1 to Florida Memorial (FL) on Saturday, Oct. 17, in Miami Gardens, Fla. The teams were tied 1-1 at halftime before Florida Memorial scored the winning goal in the second half. The result dropped Ave Maria to 6-9-1 overall and 0-5-1 in The Sun Conference.
Florida Memorial opened the scoring when Sergio Alvarez found the net in the 22nd minute. Sava Cadjenovic answered for Ave Maria in the 30th minute, tying the match at 1-1. Andrija Vujakovic recorded a save in the 13th minute, and Ave Maria held Florida Memorial scoreless for the remainder of the half.
Florida Memorial scores after lightning delay
The second half began after a lightning delay, and Vujakovic recorded another save in the 52nd minute. Andre Betioli had a shot on goal in the 61st minute, but the attempt was blocked, while Jose Jacquet recorded shots in the 68th and 75th minutes. Ave Maria finished with three shots on goal, compared with four for Florida Memorial.
Florida Memorial regained the lead in the 70th minute when Julio Lopez scored the winning goal, assisted by Vicente Silva. Emilio Fimbres recorded a shot in the 70th minute, and Fabio Marotti registered Ave Maria’s final shot on goal in the 84th minute. Florida Memorial kept the ball out of the net as Ave Maria could not find a second equalizer.
Ave Maria’s postseason path
Ave Maria has two matches remaining and needs to win both to keep its postseason hopes alive. The Gyrenes also need the New College of Florida Mighty Banyans not to win another game. The loss leaves Ave Maria with little margin for error in its final regular-season matches.
Ave Maria is scheduled to host the Webber Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m. The match is the regular-season home finale and will include Senior Day. The game will be streamed live on the SUN Digital Network.
FSB Take
Ave Maria answered Florida Memorial’s opening goal and carried a 1-1 tie into halftime. Lopez’s second-half goal after the lightning delay ultimately decided the match, leaving the Gyrenes at 0-5-1 in conference play. Ave Maria now needs two wins and favorable results involving the New College of Florida Mighty Banyans to keep its postseason hopes alive.
Source: Original report