Joao Lopes scored the deciding goal in the 59th minute as the Florida Southern College men’s soccer team defeated Lynn 2-1 on Sept. 19 at Berend Field in Lakeland. The victory moved Florida Southern to 6-1-0 overall and 2-0-0 in Sunshine State Conference play. Florida Southern also opened conference play 2-0 for the first time in eight years.
Florida Southern took the lead in the 15th minute when Darcy Moffat scored off assists from Lopes and Hector Oliver. Ricardo Marques made a save on Luan Barroso Rennstich’s attempt in the opening half, and Florida Southern maintained its 1-0 advantage through halftime. Lynn entered the match with a 2-1-3 overall record and a 1-1-0 conference mark.
Lopes Restores Florida Southern’s Lead
Lynn tied the match in the 53rd minute when Robin Muenst scored on a free kick. Lopes put Florida Southern back in front six minutes later, scoring off Oliver’s assist for the eventual game-winning goal. Lopes finished with one goal, one assist and two shots.
Oliver recorded two assists, while Moffat scored on one of his two shots and put one attempt on target. Marques made four saves over 90 minutes to earn the win. Julian Marcos played all 90 minutes in goal for Lynn and made two saves.
Muenst finished with two shots, both on target, and Rennstich led Lynn with five shots, including three on goal. Tim Baierlein had a shot saved at 48:40 for Florida Southern. Luciano Schiaffini recorded an attempt in the 74th minute, and Max Muth had a saved breakaway shot in the 82nd minute.
Florida Southern Holds Off Lynn
Lynn held a 14-7 advantage in total shots and a 5-4 edge in shots on target. Lynn also earned four corner kicks, compared with two for Florida Southern. Seven yellow cards were issued, including four to Florida Southern.
Marques made a late save before Lynn’s final corner and shot went wide. Florida Southern held its 2-1 advantage through the final whistle and secured its second Sunshine State Conference victory.
Next Match
Florida Southern College is scheduled to host Flagler College in a nonconference match on Sept. 23. The match is set for 6 p.m. at Berend Field in Lakeland. Florida Southern will enter the match with a 2-0-0 record in Sunshine State Conference play.
FSB Take
Florida Southern College overcame Lynn’s advantages in shots and corner kicks to secure a 2-1 conference victory at Berend Field. Lopes contributed to both Florida Southern goals, while Marques made four saves over 90 minutes. The result gave Florida Southern its first 2-0 start in Sunshine State Conference play in eight years.
Source: Original report