Box Score
WINTER PARK, Fla. – The Eckerd College men's soccer team had its opponent against the ropes, but couldn't deal the knockout blow as Rollins College prevailed in end of a No. 3/6 seed matchup in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament quarterfinals, 2-1.
Rafa Faria snapped a 1-1 tie in the 80th minute to send the Tars (13-3 overall) onto the tournament semifinals against No. 2 seed Florida Tech on Friday.
The Tritons (9-7-1 overall) scored in the first minute of play off a quick-strike shot from senior
Anthony Arico, but ultimately had their season come to a close with the loss.
“I thought our game plan was good and we got in the goal early,” EC Head Coach Steve Magee said. “I'm just gutted for the guys right now, especially the seniors. But I'm extremely proud of everyone. I really thought we had the better opportunities in the second half and we hit the crossbar in the second half with about three minutes left.”
The first three shots of the game, another defensive struggle, resulted in two goals, one by EC's Arico just 33 seconds after the opening whistle and the equalizer by RC's Nick Sowers about 34 minutes later.
After outshooting Rollins 14-12 in the regular-season matchup, the Tritons did it again, holding a narrow 9-7 margin in the shot department.
After the Tars went ahead, 2-1, Eckerd peppered the Rollins' defense for a few more shots, including a blast by
Jimmy Lawler off a corner kick try from Arico that drilled the crossbar.
