LAKELAND, Fla. — Florida Southern College men's soccer (4-7-2, 1-6-1 SSC) was edged out by Nova Southeastern (7-2-3, 4-2-2 SSC) with a final score of 2-1 on Wednesday at the Barnett Athletic Complex. FSC's lone goal came in the first half, but Nova Southeastern responded with two goals in the second half to secure the victory.
The first half began with the Moccasins applying early pressure, as
Dakota Henry registered the initial shot on goal in the 9th minute. Despite several attempts, including a shot by
Pablo Overfeld saved by Nova Southeastern's goalie Santino Scerbo, it was not until the 36th minute that
Tim Baierlein broke the deadlock. Assisted by
Darcy Moffat, Baierlein scored to put FSC ahead.
Throughout the period, Florida Southern maintained offensive momentum with multiple corner kicks and shots, effectively keeping Nova Southeastern on the defensive. The half concluded with the Mocs leading 1-0.
The second period began with an early defensive save by
Lasse Dettmer, who stopped a bottom-right shot from Santiago Hoyos Lopez just after the restart. Florida Southern's
Paul Hansen generated an offensive opportunity with a shot that was saved by Santino Scerbo, maintaining pressure on the visitors. Despite these efforts, Florida Southern found itself on the back foot as the period progressed.
Nova Southeastern shifted the momentum with a goal by Santiago Hoyos Lopez in the 76th minute, equalizing the score. Minutes later, Hoyos Lopez converted a penalty kick, putting the visitors ahead. Florida Southern sought to respond and applied pressure late in the period, but the period closed with Nova Southeastern leading 2-1.
Baierlein scored the only goal for Florida Southern, finishing with one shot on goal. Moffat contributed an assist, adding to the team's offensive efforts. Dettmer played a full match in goal, recording two saves against seven shots faced.
Overfeld and
Hansen each attempted multiple shots, with Overfeld managing one on target.
Santiago Hoyos Lopez led the charge for Nova Southeastern with two goals, including the game-winner, from three shots on goal. His performance was pivotal in securing the victory. Santino Scerbo contributed a solid defensive effort in goal, recording three saves over 90 minutes and allowing just one goal. Toga Katsuma added offensive pressure with two shots, one of which was on target.
In their next game, the Moccasins will travel to Daytona Beach to face Embry-Riddle University (Fla.) on October 29. The match will take place at ERAU Soccer Stadium, with kickoff set for 6 p.m. ET.
