Although its meeting with provisional Sunshine State Conference member Palm Beach Atlantic will have no effect on the overall league standings, a tremendous opportunity awaits Florida Tech with a chance to knock off the nation’s fifth-ranked team Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Rick Stottler Field. (Image by Amanda Stratford Photography)
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Although its meeting with provisional Sunshine State Conference member Palm Beach Atlantic will have no effect on the overall league standings, a tremendous opportunity awaits Florida Tech with a chance to knock off the nation’s fifth-ranked team Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Rick Stottler Field.
The Panthers are no strangers when it comes to facing ranked foes having faced four a year ago, but they will need to shore up their recent defensive issues to have a chance against a Sailfish squad that’s seemingly scored at will against their opponents.
In its last two matches, Florida Tech has conceded a combined six goals after allowing just three in its previous three contests.
The lapses didn’t cost them against Saint Leo, but caught up to them over the weekend in a winnable game at Rollins.
Robin Chan
“We fought hard to get back in the game, but when you concede goals like tonight, it’s always going to be difficult to get a positive result,” head coach Robin Chan said following his club’s 4-3 setback versus the Tars.
“Our overall performance wasn’t there tonight. At the end of the day, we have to take the result on the chin and learn some hard lessons.”
Since becoming more of a focal point in the Florida Tech offense, Trey Collins has certainly elevated his level of play. The former Jacksonville midfielder has added a goal and an assist in each of his last two starts, giving him a team-high nine points on the year. .
Palm Beach Atlantic (7-0-1) has trounced its competition during the first month of the season, winning seven of its eight matches by an average margin of 5.28 goals per game. It’s not like the Sailfish haven’t faced quality opponents either.
Head coach Brian McMahon’s club has accumulated a 2-0-1 record against the Sunshine State Conference, including a 2-2 tie at then-No. 1 Lynn and a 4-2 victory over Tampa this past Saturday.
The Sailfish offensive attack consists of three players already with at least six goals. Sophomore Lucas DaSilva leads the way with an impressive 11 goals and four assists, while teammate Lucas Coutinho has followed right behind with six goals and eight assists of his own.
FIT and PBA played to a pair of draws in 2014.
J.C. Meyerholz will have the call live from Rick Stottler Field.
