With the final games of the season approaching, the Eckerd College Men's Soccer team was hoping to improve their record as they faced Nova Southeastern (7-7, 2-3 SSC) and Tampa this past week.
Unfortunately, the Tritons were unable to be victorious, as they suffered a catastrophic loss in double overtime against Nova Southeastern 1-0, and a 4-1 loss against Tampa.
Looking back on the Nova Southeastern game,
Domenic Spedaliere made a career high ten saves, allowing only one shot in double overtime to get past him. Coach Jeremy Wisdo certainly thinks Domenic has done a great this season, making many improvements.
“Domenic has done a great job for us all year. Last year we saw quality from him, and we really saw what his capabilities were last year. And this year, he has been very consistent for us, he has been very good throughout the year, and he has done tremendous jobs for us in terms of really giving us opportunities to get results.”
After the Tritons faced Nova Southeastern, they faced University of Tampa on Tuesday night, but once again were defeated, as Tampa struck early to give them lead. Luckily, the Tritons were able to tie the game in the 24th minute, but that was not enough as Tampa came back to score three more goals for the win.
“I felt we played pretty well against Tampa, especially in the first half, and did create some more opportunities as well. We just didn't take those opportunities again. It's a situation where we are right there, we're on the cusp of it, we just need to find that little extra bit to push us over the top,” Wisdo stated about the loss against Tampa.
Hopefully the Tritons can from these two losses as they still have to play Lynn, Palm Beach Atlantic, Florida Tech, and Johnson and Wales. This might be a difficult task without the help of senior defender
Will Thacker who is out for the rest of the season with a knee injury.
“Will's a great player. Anytime you lose a great player, it does have an affect on the team.
Ryan Partch has come in and been solid for us, so it does have an effect, but that's the whole point of a team,” Wisdo commented.
The Tritons continue there season as they head off to Boca Rotan to play Lynn University (11-3, 2-3 SSC). Lynn has always been a tough competitor of the Tritons, but last year, Eckerd, was able to walk away with a thrilling win against the then-ranked number one team in the country. Lynn also lost five all-American players last year, so Tritons fans can hope that they will be able to prevail.
Comparing last year's game to the upcoming one, Wisdo stated, “I'm sure it's going to be a difficult game. We are going to go, we're going to work hard, and we're going to stay organized, and try and take our chances.”
The Tritons will then return home to face Palm Beach Atlantic on October 24th. Not only is this their second to last home game, but also it is also senior night.
