ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Florida Southern men's soccer (3-1-0, 0-0-0 SSC) fell 3-2 to Flagler College (3-1-1, 0-0-0 PBC) on Tuesday evening at Saints Field, despite a late goal in the second half.
Paul Hansen scored his first goal as a Moccasin against his former team, while
Ryan Fitzgerald added his first collegiate goal in the Red and White. The match marked the 21st all-time meeting between the two programs, renewing a series last played to a 1-1 draw seven years ago.
The first half featured an early breakthrough for FSC when Hansen found the back of the net in the 28th minute to give his team a 1-0 lead. However, this advantage was short-lived as Flagler's Alex Alexandrou equalized just moments later in the 29th minute, assisted by Gustav Moberg.
Lasse Dettmer made crucial saves, including a stop against Alexandrou in the 31st minute, ensuring the teams remained level at 1-1 heading into the break.
The second half began with a quick attempt from the Moccasins as
Joao Lopes tested the Flagler goalkeeper in the 46th minute. Despite an early goal by Flagler's Henry Okenla in the 51st minute, Florida Southern responded with Fitzgerald narrowing the gap to 3-2 after a 61st-minute goal assisted by
Daniel Shabani. Dettmer was pivotal in goal, making crucial saves, including a key stop against Reiss Skeen in the 68th minute, but the team ultimately fell short as the half ended with Flagler leading.
Dettmer recorded five saves in goal, facing ten shots during the match. Fitzgerald scored a goal on his only shot. Shabani provided an assist, marking his contribution to the team's offensive efforts. Hansen scored a goal and took four shots, with one on target, adding to his team's attacking plays.
Daniel Becerra led Flagler with a critical goal, which was also the game-winner, from his only shot on target. Ryan Rivas provided stability in goal, playing the full 90 minutes and recording two saves. Moberg contributed offensively with an assist. Okenla found the back of the net as well, scoring from one of his two shot attempts. Alexandrou was effective in attack, tallying both a goal and an assist, with both of his shots on target.
In their next game, FSC takes to the road to face No.1 Lynn University on September 20. The match is set for a 6 p.m. kickoff at Bobby Campbell Stadium in Boca Raton, Fla.
