BOX SCORE
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – The Nova Southeastern men’s soccer team finished the Stanno Tournament 2-0 as they defeated the Tusculum Pioneers in Greeneville, Tenn. Sunday, 1-0.
Tyree Clarke (Fr., Birmingham, England) scored the first goal of his collegiate career on a game-winner in the 52nd minute for the game’s only score. Clarke received a through ball in the box on the right side of the goal and slipped it past the keeper to seal the win.
Halil Tozar (Fr., Berlin, Germany) picked up his first collegiate assist on the play as he sent a great ball into the box for his fellow freshman forward.
Like all matches for the Sharks this season, the first half ended with neither team scoring a goal. Despite the outcome, NSU dominated the time of possession as they’re recorded five shots did not accurately tell the story of the period. The Sharks had plenty of chances to score in what may have been their strongest first half of the season.
The Sharks came out with the same intensity in the second half as the Pioneer defense could not withstand the constant pressure. Just six minutes into the half, the Sharks’ starting forwards connected on just the second goal for NSU in the run of play.
After the goal, Tusculum stepped up its offensive attack and were the more aggressive team down the stretch. They finished the game with 10 shots to NSU’s eight as they desperately tried to even the score. However, the Shark defense stayed strong and never gave up a good look as the Pioneers only recorded one shot on goal. The NSU defense has now kept three out of four opponents scoreless and only allowed one goal every two games.
The action got a bit chippy down the stretch as the referees had to punish both teams with just four minutes left in the game. Tozar committed a foul and with game stalled was pushed by Tusculum’s Adam Kulbat. Tozar did not maintain his initial composure and both players were issued red cards. Tozar will now not be available for the Sharks’ game against No. 10 Barry on Saturday.
Andrea Giombetti (Fr., Rome, Italy) started his fourth consecutive game in goal and recorded his second victory.
The Sharks will return to South Florida next weekend as they face No. 10 Barry on Saturday, Sept. 17 on the road at 7 p.m.
