Tritons Battle to 1-1 Draw at Florida Southern

Box Score LAKELAND, Fla. - The Eckerd men's soccer team took an early lead on the road tonight against Florida Southern, but a late goal by the Mocs proved to be a difference-maker as the teams battled to a 1-1 draw in Sunshine State Conference play.

Juan David Tejada put the Tritons on the board in the 24th minute with his fifth goal of the season, finishing off a cross from the left side from Jordan Lee to the near post.

Tejada's goal held up until the 65th minute when Florida Southern (3-2-1, 1-1-1 SSC)  notched the equalizer off a Joseph Ammer strike after he collected a loose ball on the right side of the box and sent it into the net.

The Tritons (5-1-1, 1-1-1 SSC) controlled possession and shots in the first half, but the Mocs reversed that trend in the second half and two overtime periods out-shooting EC in that span, 18-4.

"Results on the road are never easy, so we can be pleased to get through 110 minutes of intense soccer with a result," said Eckerd head coach Ian Cameron.  "We played a very strong first half and I was disappointed we only took one of our chances.  We must address this as a team and not let dominant periods of games so by without better reflection on the scoreboard."

Chances were at a premium for both teams in overtime.  Neither took a shot in the first overtime period, and FSC managed three in the second but only one attempt was on goal.

"In overtime I was pleased with my players' ability to play again on the front foot," Cameron said.  "But with heavy legs, both teams did a great job of keeping the intensity of the game high through the final whistle.  This game demonstrates the competitiveness of this fantastic conference."

The Tritons return to the Turley Athletic Complex on Saturday, hosting Embry-Riddle (Fla.) at 7:00 PM.