Box Score
TAMPA, Fla. – The Eckerd College women's soccer team put No. 4 University of Tampa on upset alert on Wednesday night at Pepin Stadium, pushing its opponent to the brink in the non-conference loss, 2-1.
"I am proud of the team tonight," EC Head Coach
Danielle Fotopoulos said. "They played hard and stayed composed defensively against a very good Tampa team. Every half and every game we are gaining more experience."
Tampa (10-0, 0-0 SSC) set the tone of the match early. In the 14th minute, senior Shannon Walisch took off on a fast break and passed to sophomore Cici Gonzalez who netted the Spartans' first goal of the night.
But Eckerd (5-3, 0-0 SSC) would answer with a goal of its own just three minutes later in the 17th minute.
Taylor Tippett was awarded a penalty kick and with one decisive shot, Tippett evened out the score at 1-1 and collected her first goal of the season.
Both squads' defenses worked to contain scoring opportunities and would hold each other scoreless until the final minutes of the match as time in regulation wound down.
In the 88th minute before overtime could be played, Tampa midfielder Paige Smith sent a cross into the box and found Candice Shields to complete the game-winning play.
Eckerd junior goalkeeper
Morgan Crescent tabbed nine saves in tonight's effort.
The Tritons return to action in their Sunshine State Conference opener against the Florida Tech on Saturday at Rick Stottler Field in Melbourne at 5 p.m.
