Ave Maria Men’s Soccer lost a 3-2 decision to SCAD Savannah after taking a 2-1 lead into halftime Thursday. SCAD Savannah scored twice in the second half, including the match-winning goal in the 74th minute, and converted both penalty kicks in the match.
The result dropped Ave Maria to 6-8-1 overall and 0-4-1 in Sun Conference play. Ave Maria has one point in the conference standings, tied with Webber, and sits six points behind sixth-place New College of Florida with three matches remaining. The Gyrenes remain eligible for the Sun Conference Tournament.
Ave Maria Builds Halftime Lead
SCAD Savannah controlled the opening 20 minutes, holding a 7-1 advantage in shots. Two of SCAD Savannah’s first seven shots were on target, but Ave Maria keeper Andrija Vujakovic stopped both attempts.
Ave Maria took the lead in the 29th minute when Sava Cadjenovic scored on a fast break. The goal was Cadjenovic’s fifth of the season and 23rd of his career, moving him past Josh Gaeng for second-most career goals in Ave Maria program history.
SCAD Savannah tied the match in the 34th minute when senior Tim Rothe converted a penalty kick. Brandon Gomez restored Ave Maria’s lead 86 seconds later with his second goal of the season and third of his career.
The game narrative credited Gomez with the assist on Cadjenovic’s goal, while the scoring summary listed Nikolas Briceno as the assister. Ave Maria held its 2-1 advantage through halftime.
SCAD Savannah Scores Twice After Break
SCAD Savannah pulled even again in the 54th minute when Rothe scored his second penalty-kick goal of the match. The goal marked the second time in the match that SCAD Savannah converted a penalty kick.
Lucas Braganca put SCAD Savannah in front for the first time in the 74th minute. Lejs Plicanic and Moritz Prattes were listed as the assisting players on the scoring summary.
Ave Maria registered two more shots on goal during the final 15 minutes, including one from Cadjenovic, but neither produced an equalizer. SCAD Savannah finished with eight shots on goal, while Ave Maria had five.
Ave Maria Set for Florida Memorial Match
Ave Maria’s next match was scheduled for Saturday, October 17, against the Florida Memorial Lions in Miami Gardens. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m., with the match scheduled to stream on the Sun Digital Network.
The match comes with Ave Maria still in contention for the Sun Conference Tournament. The Gyrenes enter the quick turnaround six points behind sixth-place New College of Florida with three conference matches remaining.
FSB Take
Ave Maria created enough offense to lead 2-1 at halftime, but SCAD Savannah’s two converted penalty kicks and Braganca’s 74th-minute goal changed the result. Cadjenovic’s move into second place on Ave Maria’s career goals list provided a notable individual milestone in the loss. The Florida Memorial match is next as the Gyrenes continue their push for a Sun Conference Tournament position.
Source: Original report