Saint Leo University, and University Soccer stadium played host to the Sunshine State Conference Championship tournament. The Lions received home field advantage for the tournament thanks to their regular season Conference championship. When the Lions faced off against four seed Lynn at 7p.m on Nov. 6, conditions for the game were humid and wet. Rain was on and off throughout the match, but had little bearing on the player’s traction.
Saint Leo took early control of the match dominating time of possession, and scoring chances. Lynn outshoot Saint Leo 10 to 4, but many of those opportunities were easily kept away by Saint Leo freshman goalkeeper James White.
Saint Leo got on the scoreboard in the 22’ with a goal by junior Brandon Rivera as he streaked towards the far post for the header. The goal came off a throw in from senior Matt Campbell that was directed towards Rivera from fellow freshman Teddy Auyoma. Saint Leo’s time of possession dominance continued through the first half.
As play started back up it was clear Lynn made a concerted effort to attack the net, in an attempt to even the match. Great scoring chances for Lynn early in the 2nd were stymied by the tremendous play of White.
As Lynn’s scoring opportunities continued, the Lions defense stayed stout and fought to keep the one nil lead. Just as it seemed Saint Leo was content with letting the defense bring home the match, Rivera struck again. This goal by Rivera in the 82’ was a tremendous individual effort, Rivera weaved his way between three Lynn defenders before finessing the ball past the Lynn keeper.
The importance of Rivera’s second goal proved vital as Lynn junior Bernard Eilers scored just two minutes later in the 83’. Eilers goal made the final moments of the game very interesting, and stressful for Saint Leo faithful. Saint Leo’s defense rose to the occasion, not giving an inch as they killed out the last six minutes of play.
The 2-1 victory for the Lions put them in the championship game versus 3 seed Rollins, who upset Tampa in the other semifinal match.
After a feeling out process in the early stages of the match, Rollins struck first in the 14’ as freshman Johnny Nartowicz headed the ball into an open Saint Leo net, the goal coming off a set piece corner delivered by junior Taylor Cook.
The remainder of the first half consisted of quality scoring opportunities for the Tars, fortunately for the Lions they were able to keep the deficit at one going into the break.
Despite their deficit the Saint Leo seemed to play laid back, there was no urgency on the part of the Lions. On the contrary Rollins was not content with their one goal lead, and continued to attack the net with ferocity. Rollins mentality proved fortuitous as they scored for the second time on a corner kick in the 58’. This time senior Brett Durrance was the beneficiary of Cook’s second assist.
Saint Leo made some important subs late in the match which generated a flurry of scoring opportunities for the Lions in the final moments, but it ultimately proved too little, too late as Rollins escaped with the 2-0 victory and the SSC tournament championship.
Despite the loss, Saint Leo had a strong resume for the national tournament. On Nov. 9, the Lions discovered they had earned a 3 seed into that National Tournament. Interestingly, the Lions will face off against none other than the Rollins Tars. Saint Leo will be looking to exact revenge on the Tars who have had the Lion’s’ number of late, Saint Leo is 1-9-1 in their last 11 meetings. We’ll see if the third time’s the charm as the Lions make a push for a national title.
