Florida Southern Edges Tritons in Physical Contest

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. - Liam Guest's header equalized the match on Wednesday night against Florida Southern, but the Moccasins punched in what proved to be the game-winner seven minutes later as FSC edged Eckerd, 2-1, in a physical contest at Johnson Field.

HOW IT ENDED
Final: Florida Southern 2, Eckerd 1
Records: Eckerd 3-7-1 (1-6-1 SSC); Florida Southern 7-3 (5-2 SSC)
All-Time Series: Eckerd leads, 29-11-5

HOW IT HAPPENED
* FSC's Rene Rivera missed wide on a shot from 10 yards out in the first minute of the match, but found the net 20 minutes later to open the scoring.  Rivera received a pass near the top of the box and dribbled his way through three defenders, creating just enough space to send a shot past EC keeper Alex Gott into the upper right corner.
* The Tritons didn't attempt their first shot until the 39th minute, a header by Nick Reinhauer from a Juan David Tejada corner kick, but it was stopped by Mocs keeper Benny Yusufoglu.
* Eckerd found more of an offensive rhythm early in the second half and equalized the match in the 53rd minute.  After Florida Southern was whistled for a foul just outside the box on the left side, Westleigh Rush served a perfect set piece toward the right post to Liam Guest, who headed the pass into the net for his first goal of the season.
* The Mocs, in turn, upped their pressure, taking four shots over the next seven minutes and making the last one count.  Foster Appiah threaded a pass through the middle of the field, finding Daniel Moore in between two defenders.  Receiving the pass near the penalty spot, Moore quickly one-touched the ball into the goal.
* Eckerd had four opportunities to equalize the match a second time but was unable to do so.  Reinhauer managed another header off a cross from the right side, but it was turned back by Yusufoglu.

NOTES AND NUMBERS
* The match was marred by fouls and cautions.  The teams were called for a combined 42 fouls and issued a total of 11 yellow cards.
* Guest's goal is the second of his career.  His first goal also came on a header via a set piece last season against Union (Tenn.) on September 3.
* FSC out-shot Eckerd, 13-8, but shots on goal were nearly even with FSC holding a 5-4 edge.
* Rush's assist was his second of the season.

UP NEXT
Eckerd travels on Saturday to face Nova Southeastern at 7:00 PM in an SSC contest.  The Sharks will have a short turnaround as they host Ave Maria (Fla.) on Thursday night.