Florida Tech Soccer Matchup Versus Mississippi College Ends In Double Overtime Draw
By Space Coast Daily // September 5, 2016
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Scoring chances weren’t difficult to come by, but unfortunately goals were, as Florida Tech settled for a 1-1 draw against Mississippi College in double overtime on a sweltering Sunday afternoon at Rick Stottler Field.
The Panthers outmatched the Choctaws by a 21-10 margin in the shot category, yet outside of freshman Luca Campanini’s first career score in the 39th minute, weren’t able to convert against their Gulf South Conference opponent.
“We had a number of chances in both games this weekend,” said Panther head coach Robin Chan.
“Today hurt us because we couldn’t put the one ball away that was going to take us home. We felt confident at the back for most of the game. We felt secure on the defensive side. We created a number of chances, just lacked a little bit in our final product.”
Florida Tech dug itself a bit of a hole less than 10 minutes into the match after Horacio Gutierrez Jr. a drilled a low shot into the left side of the net to give the Choctaws the quick 1-0 advantage. The goal seemed to serve as a wake-up call for the Panthers, though, as they fought back to gain control in the opening half.
A great combination of passes between Campanini and Evan Enders in the 31st minute set up Josh Thomas for the open strike, but a diving save made by Humberto Pelaez kept the shutout intact for Mississippi College That all changed moments later, however, thanks to the relentless play of Campanini.
Pressuring the ball up top, Campanini forced a crucial turnover deep in the Choctaws’ end before curling a beautiful shot just out of Pelaez’s reach to even the score.
With his first career goal in the bag, Campanini was well on his way to a hat trick, but twice had scores wiped out by narrow offside calls that were deflating for a Florida Tech club looking to secure its second win in as many seasons over MC.
Along with Campanini, early indicators are pointing in the right direction for Florida Tech freshmen Robbie Madden, Per Henirk Nag and Jack Turnbull – an encouraging sign thus far for Chan.
“We had four starting today, and there are more on the side pushing for time,” he said. “Those guys have come in and adjusted well. They deserve to be in there and have the opportunity to play.”
Continuing its early-season home stand, Florida Tech will be back in action next Sunday at 12 p.m. ET versus West Alabama.
For complete coverage, log onto FloridaTechSports.com/live.
