JACKSONVILLE, FLA. – The Jacksonville University men's soccer team hosted Stetson on Saturday night in a conference match up that was nothing short of physical. The Dolphins (3-2-2) tied with The Hatters by a final score of 1-1 in double overtime.
"I thought we created good chances. We had some really good moments. Stetson is a good team to create some tough problems. Nonetheless it's a growing result for us," commented Head Coach
Mauricio B. Ruiz
JU came on the field dominating in the opening minutes of play. Junior forward
Jose Manzo recorded a pair of shots in the 7
th and 12
th minute. Manzo, who is recognized as the
Hodges Mazda Player Of The Game took another shot in the 28
th minute after a round of Stetson substitutions left room for JU to capitalize. Senior forward
Kai Bennett took a shot from the far corner late in the first half that just missed the net. In the final minute of the first half, after a free kick and corner kick opportunity freshman midfielder
Mason Tunbridge fired his first shot of the night right into the hands of the Stetson keeper.
Jacksonville and Stetson entered halftime scoreless.
Jacksonville, who was eager to tie the game recorded five shots in the second half. In the 68
th minute Manzo recorded his fourth. After a free kick for the home team senior forward
Jesus Colombo tried to capitalize on the moment and fired off his first of the night.
Halfway through the second half as Alex Turner was able find the net and put Stetson on the board first.
After a yellow card was called on the visiting team Tunbridge found himself again face to face with the Stetson keeper for a penalty kick which then resulted in a goal for JU. In the 70
th minute Jacksonville and Stetson were tied at one. Junior midfielder
Connar Lufkin fired a shot in the 78
th minute to try to break the tie. In the final seconds of regulation with cheers coming from the crowd Tunbridge fired the last shot.
After 90 minutes of regulation Jacksonville and Stetson were knotted.
Jacksonville failed to get a shot on goal in the first overtime but with the help of a strong defense they were able to force a second. Freshman defender
Zach Blice got his first start tonight for JU and recorded 110 minutes of playing time.
"As a freshman of the first time playing that position I thought he was really good," Ruiz added.
Sophomore goalkeeper
Matt Levy recorded seven saves on the night. Jacksonville recorded one more shot in the second overtime in the 102
nd minute when Bennett fired a shot that left the ball soaring over the net. After 110 minutes of action Jacksonville and Stetson ended the match in a tie.
"Moving forward it is just good energy and good momentum. We have a tough road game here coming up and then we are back at home against UNF next week," Ruiz concluded.
The Dolphins will see action again on Tuesday when they travel to Statesboro, GA to face Georgia Southern in a non-conference match.
