THOMASVILLE, Ga. — The Thomas University men's soccer team fought in a thrilling 1-0 defeat against the #2 University of Mobile Friday afternoon.
The Night Hawks (3-3-1, 0-0 SUN) battled in the contest, creating a multitude of chances, but were unable to find net in the physical back and forth game. With eleven shot attempts in the first 45 minutes of play, the Rams (3-0-1, 0-0 SSAC) dominated the shot chart in the first period.
Mobile managed eleven shot attempts in the first half, many of which came early on in the game, with Jorge Gonzalez picking up a pair of sensational saves in net grabbing back-to-back saves in the 5th and 6th minute. The Rams would nearly strike a goal in the 14th minute, but the woodworks for TU prevailed with the first coming off the post followed by a crossbar rebound in Mobile's seventh and eighth shot attempts of the game.
TU wouldn't send its first shot towards frame until the 17th minute when Giacomo Bacigalupo's free kick sailed high. Thomas' next best opportunity of the half came in the 33rd minute, with Cavan Daley's one on one with the keeper got saved to keep the game level.
After the half, TU exploded out of the gates sending a huge opportunity in the 46th minute just high. With all the moment and the Rams backed into their own half, another chance by Cavan Daley beat everyone but the crossbar as the game remained scoreless in the 52nd minute.
The Night Hawks mustered another shot towards net in the 66th minute as Diego Sanchez's header was sent away by UM goalkeeper Ty Turner, recording his second save of the contest.
Shortly after that, in the 69th minute, a transition play and cross from the sideline found the head of UM forward Lucas Ros, who's header just snuck past Gonzalez, opening the game 1-0.
The Night Hawks continued to played with more urgency after the second half goal, rattling off four shot attempts, but the final touches were missing as the game tilted towards a Mobile win.
The game was well-contested throughout with tensions rising near the end as eight cards (all yellow) were dished out. Five of the cards were presented in the in the last 20 minutes.
In the end, Thomas' valiant effort falls just short as #2 Mobile escapes the Rose City with a 1-0 win.
Inside the Box Score:
- The Night Hawks were outshot (24-6) with UM also sending more shots on goal (6-2). Mobile also dominated the corner kick count, 11-0.
- TU goalkeeper Jose Gonzales recorded five saves in 90 minutes played.
Up Next:
- Thomas prepares to travel to St. Thomas University for the team's first conference matchup on Saturday, September 24, at 11:00 a.m. ET.
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.
