Tritons Get Late Goal to Edge Warner University, 2-1

Box Score ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - If the opening match of the season is any indication, the Eckerd College men's soccer team could be in for an exciting year.

A pair of newcomers connected in the 89th minute to break a tie and send the Tritons to a season-opening 2-1 victory over visiting Warner (Fla.) University at the Turley Athletic Complex.

It was definitely pleasing to see for second-year head coach Cristian Neagu, whose large recruiting class is already reaping dividends on the field.

"We had two newcomers who scored two goals tonight," he said.  "They won us the game."

The game-winning goal was set up by a foul that drew a yellow card for Warner's Shaquille McLetichie.  It gave Eckerd a set piece from the right side approximately 30 yards out that Jordan Lee served nicely toward the left post.  John Badu-Koomson came away with the ball in the scrum and found Mauricio Salvatierra who fired a rocket into the back of the net.

The Tritons (1-0) struck first early in the second half.  Matheus Assumpcao sent a cross toward the left post to Juan David Tejada, who settled the ball off a high bounce and touched it to Westleigh Rush in the center of the box. Rush then volleyed in a one-timer with his left foot in the 49th minute.

Eckerd has a chance to double its lead in the 54th minute when Tejada was fouled in the box, but Nick Jackson's penalty kick attempt sailed over the crossbar.

Two minutes later, Warner netted the equalizer.

A loose ball in the box led to a yellow card shown to EC keeper Alex Gott and Warner was awarded an indirect free kick.  Camilo Diaz struck the ball low and right, where Adrian Bartalos was able to corral the ball in traffic and send a shot to the near post.

The second half was much more evenly-played after Eckerd dominated possession and shots in the first half.  EC had 12-4 edge in shots in the first 45 minutes, putting Warner keeper David Bartalos to the test.  Bartalos did his part to keep the Royals in the match, stopping nine shots by halftime.

Pressing forward a little more in the second half - which came after a 90 minute lightning delay - Warner (0-1-1) took 11 shots but most of those attempts missed the frame.

Overall, Neagu was pleased with the effort and performance of his team tonight.

"We showed quality in pieces," he said.  "I'm looking forward to extending those pieces and have longer periods of the game that we are controlling."

The Tritons hit the road next week for a pair of matches in Georgia, starting on Sept. 10 with a visit to Clayton State.