Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Sophomore forward
Matt Dolan scored two goals and freshman forward
Joe Swindell tallied his first collegiate score as the Eckerd College men's soccer program pitched an impressive shutout against Barry University on Saturday, 3-0.
The first scoring blast from Dolan was one made for the highlight reels as he converted a high degree of difficulty scissor-like kick from 12 yards out in the sixth minute that left the opponent reeling.
Junior midfielder/defender
Anthony Brenner lofted a perfect ball into the box from the right side of the field and Barry goalkeeper Fred Perez had little time to react as Dolan's timing was flawless.
On the heels of its second Sunshine State Conference win in the week (OT vs. Saint Leo University), the Tritons moved up to third in the league standings, trailing Florida Tech and the top-ranked team in the nation, Lynn University.
Under the direction of Eckerd Head Coach Steve Magee and his staff, the team showcased an offensive breakthrough that the team had been searching for.
“I think we've been working really hard in training and we were rewarded against a very good Barry team,” Magee said. “All the credit goes to our guys and it was nice to see our forwards get on the scoresheet.”
The Tritons (4-4-1, 2-1-1 SSC) clamped down defensively and fielded nine shots from the Buccaneers (3-5, 0-3 SSC) on the night.
Senior keeper
Andrew Hoffer recorded five saves in the complete-game shutout effort.
Dolan's 6-4 frame proved to be a helpful factor as he headed in a free kick from senior defender
Matt Duffy in the second half at the 72:12 mark. He slipped past the Buccaneer defense and didn't miss a point-blank opportunity.
With his two goals on the night, Dolan also took over the team lead in points with seven on the season.
“Matt's more than a one-dimensional target player and he's been working very hard with the program after sitting out last season,” Magee praised. “He got his rewards tonight for his hard work and we're looking forward to seeing him continue his progress.”
Swindell's first Eckerd points were icing on the cake as he blew by the defense for a breakaway late in the second half and lined a shot under Barry backup netminder Edwin Jean.
Swindell had missed a few games early in the season due to injury.
The Tritons transition into the month of October with a big test in front of them, welcoming No. 1 Lynn to the Turley Athletic Complex next Wednesday. The critical SSC match begins at 6 p.m.
Nova Southeastern University stunned the Fighting Knights tonight, ending Lynn's nine-match win unbeaten win streak to begin the fall.
