MIAMI SHORES, Fla. - The Palm Beach Atlantic men's soccer team opened Sunshine State Conference play on the road tonight against the Barry Buccaneers. After falling behind 2-0 in the opening half, a different Sailfish side showed up for the second half but they ran out of time as they fell 2-1. PBA falls to 3-3 on the season and 0-1 in conference play with the defeat.
The Bucs came out of the game on the front foot in the opening half, as they controlled possession and created a majority of the chances early on. Barry outshot the Sailfish 6-3 in the opening half and scored the opening goal 12 minutes into the match. The Bucs were able to dribble past multiple PBA defenders down the left sideline and get a dangerous cross into the box that was put home by an unmarked Buc on the back post. Barry scored again ten minutes later as a shot from the left side of the box beat Sailfish goalie
Salvador Plaza as the home side doubled their lead. After an early shot from
Narcis Bou Dalmau andÂ
Kevonte Willoughby-Williams the 'Fish failed to create many chances as they trailed 2-0 at the half.
A completely different PBA side came out for the second half as they upped their pressing energy, forcing Barry off the ball. They were rewarded for their hard work in the second half 16 minutes into the second half as
Yannick Toth got on the end of an
Orion McHugh cross at the near post. PBA pressed on throughout the second half, pouring numbers forward and playing direct looking for the tying goal.
A Toth freekick from the dangerous position just outside the box was arguably PBA's best chance but he was unable to put it on target as the Bucs melted the clock late to hold onto the 2-1 victory. Neither goalie was brought into play too often as Plaza was able to make two saves and the Sailfish forced the Barry keeper to one save while the home side outshot the 'Fish 9-8.
The Sailfish return to action this weekend as they play in their home opener this Saturday against Rollins. The Tars are 2-0-3 on the season and are coming off a tie with Tampa in their SSC opener.
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