WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic University shut out Florida Southern College 2-0 on Saturday at Rinker Athletic Campus. The home team opened scoring with a goal in the first half and maintained their lead with another goal before halftime. The defense held strong, limiting Florida Southern to just one shot on goal. The Sailfish's goalkeeper recorded a clean sheet, making one save to preserve the victory.
The first half began with Palm Beach Atlantic establishing control early.
Tin Vastic put the home team on the scoreboard with a goal in the 19th minute, assisted by
Veit Klement. Shortly after, Vastic capitalized again by converting a penalty kick in the 31st minute following a red card issued to the Mocs. The Sailfish maintained their momentum, with
Flavio Giannini making a key save to thwart a shot from Hector Oliver. The half closed with Palm Beach Atlantic holding a 2-0 lead.
The second half began with the 'Fish maintaining pressure on the offensive end.
Niklas Mahler initiated the attacks with a shot shortly after play resumed, followed by
Eli Ghebreab and
Juan Hermoso testing the opposing goalkeeper. Despite multiple attempts, including a close-range effort by
Joshua Wicks that was saved by Florida Southern's Lasse Dettmer, the Sailfish were unable to alter the scoreboard.
As the half progressed, the 'Fish continued to dominate possession, generating several corner kick opportunities.
Matteo Colombo also contributed with a shot, but the home side could not find the back of the net. The half saw numerous fouls from both teams, with a yellow card issued to Florida Southern's Joshua Grosser.
Palm Beach Atl. remained resolute and kept Florida Southern at bay, concluding the half without conceding a goal. The match ended with the Sailfish holding a 2-0 advantage.
Vastic scored two goals, including the game-winner, and attempted four shots with three on target. Giannini recorded one save while securing a shutout in his 90 minutes of play. Klement provided an assist, contributing to the team's offensive efforts.