WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's soccer team captured a victory at home tonight against conference rival Tampa. The win takes the No. 25 ranked Sailfish to 6-1-1 on the season and 1-1-1 in conference play. PBA scored early in both halves to secure the 2-0 victory over the Spartans.
The Sailfish were able to capitalize off their early energy and pressing defensively when in the 10th minute,
Mo Redjeb intercepted an errant Spartans pass and was able to play a through ball to senior forward
Marc Hebbeker. Hebbeker was able to beat the Tampa keeper Jake Richards in a one-on-one situation to give the 'Fish a 1-0 lead.
Quenzi Huerman delivered a spectacular highlight in the 43rd minute when his bicycle kick narrowly missed, hitting off the inside of the left post. PBA outshot the Spartans 10-7 in the first half and forced Richards to make three saves to keep the score 1-0 at the break.
In the second half, PBA once again took control from the opening moments. Claudio Rivadenaria made a run down the right sideline and found an open
Quenzi Huerman at the top of the box. Huerman was able to find
Cadu Cusatis open on the left side of the box and his shot gave the Sailfish a 2-0 lead. The goal marks the third game in a row in which Cusatis has scored for PBA.
PBA wasn't done creating chances in the second half, but they were unable to capitalize on the multiple opportunites created. They were able to control the flow of play and outshot the Spartans 9-4 in the second half and 19-11 on the game. The Sailfish defense was able to keep a dangerous Tampa attack, who scored five goals in their last game, in check all night.
Elliott Barker was comfortable throughout the night while making three saves.
The victory tonight takes the Sailfish into the middle of the SSC standings table with four points in their three matches so far this season. PBA is back in action again on Oct. 9 when they play host to SSC opponent Nova Southeastern at the Rinker Athletic Campus at 7 p.m. The Sharks are 3-3-3 so far on the season and still looking for their first conference victory.
