SAINT LEO, Fla. — Florida Southern College men's soccer (3-3-0, 0-2-0 SSC) fell to Saint Leo University (2-3-1, 1-1-0 SSC) with a 2-0 defeat on Wednesday night at University Field. Saint Leo netted a goal in each half, securing the win while their defense held Florida Southern to just one shot on goal throughout the match. The Moccasins' goalkeeper recorded five saves, but the team's efforts were not enough to overcome the deficit.
The first half began with the Mocs actively seeking early opportunities, as
Joshua Grosser attempted a shot that went wide in the second minute.
Lasse Dettmer provided a strong defensive presence in goal, successfully saving a shot from Anel Rojas in the ninth minute. Florida Southern maintained pressure through multiple corner kicks but was unable to convert these chances into goals.Â
Saint Leo found a breakthrough in the 41st minute when Anel Rojas scored, assisted by Virgilio Escala, putting the home team ahead. Despite the Moccasins' efforts to equalize, they closed the half trailing Saint Leo, 1-0.
The second half began with FSC applying pressure, as
Joao Lopes and
Tim Baierlein each took early shots, though neither found the net. Dettmer made crucial saves, keeping the half tight and preventing Saint Leo from extending their lead. Despite these efforts, Jorge Perez scored for Saint Leo in the 80th minute, assisted by Rojas, shifting momentum in favor of the home team.
Florida Southern continued to push forward with attempts from
Chandler Crawshaw and
Darcy Moffat but could not break through. Dettmer's consistent goalkeeping efforts maintained the scoreline, yet the half closed with the visitors trailing 2-0.
Dettmer made five saves over the course of 90 minutes, facing 13 shots in the match. Crawshaw contributed with one shot from the midfield position. Baierlein managed one shot on goal from his forward position.
Max Muth added two shots, helping maintain offensive pressure throughout the game.
The next challenge for the Moccasins sees them traveling to Americus, Ga., where they will face non-conference opponent Georgia Southwestern State University. The match is set for Sept. 27 at 7 p.m. at Hurricane Field.
