LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern (4-3-1, 1-2-0 SSC) secured a 2-1 victory over Eckerd College (2-5-2, 0-3-0 SSC) with two first-half goals at the Barnett Athletic Complex on Wednesday.
Darcy Moffat netted his fourth goal of the season and the 13th of his career in a Mocs uniform, while
Daniel Shabani added his second goal of the year off a perfectly placed corner kick, giving Florida Southern key offensive sparks in the match.
The first half began with Florida Southern applying early pressure, as
Hector Oliver and Moffat both tested the Eckerd goalkeeper, Duran van Woerkom, who managed to keep the initial attempts out of the net. Despite an early penalty miss by Oliver in the seventh minute, Florida Southern broke the deadlock in the 21st minute when Moffat scored with assists from Oliver and
Joao Lopes, putting the home team ahead 1-0.
Florida Southern maintained their offensive efforts, with goalkeeper
Lasse Dettmer making a crucial save against Eckerd's Thomas Jenkinson shortly after. Florida Southern extended their lead in the 39th minute with a goal from Shabani. The half concluded with Florida Southern leading 2-0, having capitalized on their scoring opportunities while maintaining a solid defensive stance.
The second half began with Florida Southern maintaining pressure through several offensive opportunities. Oliver and Moffat each took shots within the first 15 minutes, though neither found the target.
Dakota Henry's attempt at the 70th minute similarly went wide, as the Moccasins sought to extend their lead.
Eckerd countered with a goal in the 84th minute from Stafford Clarke, narrowing the scoreline. Despite multiple efforts, including a shot on goal by
Lukas Wendahl Arnesson that was saved, Florida Southern's lead was challenged. The half concluded with Florida Southern ahead, 2-1, after resisting Eckerd's late surge.
Shabani scored the game-winning goal for Florida Southern, converting his only shot into the decisive point. Dettmer recorded two saves in goal, ensuring the team's victory by conceding just one goal. Moffat added a goal and led the team with four shots, three of which were on target. Lopes contributed with an assist, helping to set up one of the goals.
Stafford Clarke contributed significantly to Eckerd's efforts with one goal from two shots, one of which was on target. Van Woerkom was a key figure in goal, making five saves from 14 shots faced over 90 minutes. Monty Clark managed one shot on goal, highlighting his attacking efforts from midfield.
In their next game, Florida Southern takes to the road to face Palm Beach Atlantic University. The match is set for October 4, with kickoff at 6 p.m. at the PBA Soccer/Lacrosse Field in West Palm Beach, Fla.
