Box Score
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – A torrential downpour to start the evening didn't deter the Eckerd College men's soccer program from showcasing an explosive offense in a non-conference shutout win Tuesday night against Clearwater Christian College, 8-0.
The Tritons (2-1-1, 0-0-0 SSC) scored quick and often against the Cougars (1-5-1 overall) in inclement conditions as the skies increasingly grew overcast during pregame warm-ups.
It was the perfect response for the Tritons following a double-overtime tie in their last match against Warner University.
EC scored six times in the first half before adding two more additional goals in the final period while holding a 31-6 advantage in the shot department.
Driving sheets of rain with gusting 20-25 mph winds blanketed the field when the match got underway and continued for most of the first half. Play was delayed for a 20-minute interval late in the first half due to lightning.
Sophomore forward
Joe Swindell scored twice -- using his head and right leg -- and almost pocketed a hat trick, senior
Anthony Brenner scored one quick-strike goal while junior forward
Matt Dolan scored his second goal of the season early in regulation.
Junior forward
Nick Murawski capitalized on a penalty kick for the second time this fall after Swindell was fouled making a move in the box against the CCC defense. Freshman
Shakeem Albouy scored off a set piece early in the second half and nearly tallied several more goals as he flew in on corner kick tries for open looks at the net.
Junior
Thomas Zimath capped the scoring outburst with a host of freshmen, newcomers and reserves getting their chance with second-half playing time at the Turley Athletic Complex.
Brenner's goal was immediately off the opening whistle as he curled in a long shot outside the box that had Clearwater Christian goalkeeper Garrett Hollenbach looking for answers. Just 10 seconds in, he gave the Tritons a one-goal advantage to keep the Cougars off balance.
Eight minutes later, Murawski helped create another EC score by feeding Swindell in the box, the first of two helpers for him on the night. Dolan punched home Eckerd's third goal of the evening at the 13:37 mark in the first half.
Junior forward
Jack Walsh made his first appearance on the pitch since tearing his ACL about a year ago. Senior defender
Seb Marley also returned to action after getting injured in the preseason.
In addition to the starting 11, a total of 14 additional players were able to see the field in tonight's shutout bid.
The Tritons are now set for a showdown at home with Sunshine State Conference rival and newly-ranked No. 3 Rollins College on Saturday at 5 p.m. in a rematch of the 2012 Florida Blue SSC Championship final.
The match has no bearing on the league standings, but still counts towards the South Region rankings.
