NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Life U 3, UT Southern 2
Records: Life U, 4-4-3; UTS,
MARIETTA, Ga. - The Life U men's soccer team made an exciting return to the field hosting RV UT Southern to a thrilling 3-2 win on Wednesday night's Senior Night.
The thrilling night at Lupo Family Field was a roller-coaster of a contest, with Life U and UT Southern trading blows for the entire 90 minutes. Starting in the first half, Thomas Rodella scored a solo effort after pressing the keeper and taking the ball to score. The rest of the first half both teams traded time in possession as all of the contest's chances were held at bay through the first 45 minutes.
Both sides had a number of scoring chances in the first half, but neither were unable to convert.
At the beginning of the second half, UTS caught the Running Eagles slow, leveling the contest just a minute in. The tie was then held for 15 minutes until Timon Kuiper and Augusto Del Rio combined through the Firehawks' defense, netting the go-ahead goal.
After that, the final ten minutes were an exciting back-and-forth affair as both teams continued to push for chances. A Life U counter attack was thwarted before an uncharacteristic mishit landed at the foot of UTS' left back, shooting a lofted curling strike from near the midfield line, resulting in a goal with just over six minutes to play.
From there, the Running Eagles piled on their chances as it was this time a failed clearance from UTS' backline that resulted in a Ervin Sula's 88th minute game-winning full volley.
After the contest, head coach Alex Pama shared his thoughts on the team's performance.
"We've never lost in seven years here at Lupo Family Field on senior night, and tonight was no exception," said Pama. "Our boys made it difficult for themselves and credits to UTS for playing a great game of football. We are still on target to reach our goal, so compliments have to go to how the guys responded to adversity in this game. We are still an inexperienced collegiate team, but we are learning quick. Thanks to all the fans again tonight who really are pushing us forward and helping the guys when they are struggling in the game."
Up next, the Running Eagles will continue SSAC competition, traveling to Blue Mountain this Saturday.
