TAMPA, Fla. – Barry University men’s soccer team used three first half goals to defeat the University of Tampa Friday night at Pepin Stadium, 3-1.
Barry jumped out in front in the 24th minute mark on a spectacular goal off the foot of Thomas Coombes. Following a corner kick and with his back to the net, Coombes delivered a bicycle-kick to beat David Niepel for the game’s first goal.
Leading 1-0, the Buccaneers struck again in the 30th minute. A handball inside of the box resulted in a Bucs’ penalty kick and Coombes found the back of the net for the second time to extend Barry’s lead.
Junior Nico Gercke got into the scoring action putting home a rebound in the 38th minute for his third goal of the season to stretch the deficit to 3-0.
Tampa answered in the 44th minute when Nasyir Rodrigues slipped behind the Buccaneer defense and put back a rebound to cut the lead to 3-1 just before the half.
The second half was a defensive battle as the Buccaneers were able to seal the victory by shutting down the Spartans’ attack. Johnny Rodrigues recorded four of his five saves in the final period to close out the game.
Barry returns to action Saturday, Nov. 2 in the regular season finale and Senior Day against Eckerd College. Live-stat and video broadcast will be available through the Barry University athletics website, GOBARRYBUCS.COM., with kickoff set for 4:30 pm.