TAMPA, Fla. – The Eckerd men's soccer team fell just short in a 2-1 loss to Tampa at Pepin Stadium on Wednesday night.

Eckerd came out aggressive, with Tatum Fain placing a pair of shots on frame inside the opening eight minutes. Tampa broke through in the 19th minute to take a 1-0 advantage.

The Tritons were reduced to 10 men following a red card in the 29th minute but kept the deficit at one heading into the break. Zak Bailey nearly provided an equalizer just before halftime, placing a shot on target in the 45th minute.

Trent Murphy kept Eckerd within striking distance throughout the second half, making four saves over the opening 19 minutes of the frame. Noah Fuhrmann put a shot on target in the 67th minute before Murphy nearly produced an unlikely equalizer himself, with his attempt in the 72nd minute stopped.

Tampa doubled its advantage in the 79th minute, but Eckerd continued to push despite playing a man down.

Tristan Bassette pulled the Tritons within one in the 85th minute, finding the back of the net for his second goal of the season. Bassette generated another opportunity in the 89th minute, while Eckerd earned a pair of corner kicks in the final minute as it pressed for the tie. Tampa held on for the 2-1 win after Eckerd failed to find the back of the net.

Eckerd placed seven of its eight shots on target, matching Tampa with seven shots on goal despite playing shorthanded for the majority of the contest. Murphy finished with five saves.

The Tritons return home Saturday to host Florida Tech at 6 p.m. at Johnson Field for Alumni Night.