Ave Maria, Fla. — The Thomas University Men's soccer team lost 2-1 on the road Saturday afternoon in South Florida as the team faced off against conference foe Ave Maria at Gyrene Field.
Despite leading in shots 16-14, the Night Hawks (4-3-1, 0-1-1 SUN) struggled to score in the contest as the lone goal for Thomas came in the tenth minute off a corner from Freshman midfielder James Hall. Hall's service into the box found forward Reg McLaren who relayed the ball back to Junior Joao Pedro Vinha who netted the opportunity scoring his second goal of the season.
The first half was predominantly controlled by Thomas, until a late first half call presented the AMU attack with a golden opportunity to level the contest, on a penalty kick. The bad challenge in the box offered the Gyrenes a PK, which, on the first attempt, Night Hawk goalkeeper Josh Ricord was able to save. After a quick discussion amongst referees the penalty was called back, as the referees issued the TU goalkeeper from Savannah, Ga. a yellow card for moving too early off his line on the initial attempt. Due to this call, a second opportunity for Vinski was presented, and, on the second attempt, Vinski beat Ricord leveling the contest at one apiece just before the halftime whistle blew.
The second half action saw Ave Maria create plenty of chances, and, in the 87th minute, the Gyrenes sent a low cross towards the net which was deflected into the net resulting in a TU own goal. The own goal eventually proved to be the game-winner, as Ave Maria held on for the final four minutes to earn its first conference win.
Offensively, both teams registered shots in the teens as 30 total shots were fired from the two attacks. Eight saves were made in the contest, five for TU's Ricord and three for Ave Maria keeper Rhys Lawlor. In the match, 31 fouls were committed, six yellow cards were issued, and five corners were awarded as the Gyrenes pulled off the late come from behind win.
Up next for Thomas the men will travel to Babson Park on Wednesday to play the Warriors from Webber International University. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 AM.
For up-to-date information on this game and other TU Athletics, visit http://www.TUNightHawks.com. Stay up-to-date with news, scores, photos, game summaries, play-by play, and feature stories of your TU men's soccer team by following them via Twitter at @NightHawksMSocc.
