WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Palm Beach Atlantic fell to No. 11 Florida Tech in a close 9–8 defeat on Saturday at PBA Soccer Lacrosse Field. Despite the loss, the 'Fish defense recorded 25 caused turnovers, keeping the contest competitive until the final whistle.
Cooper Porter led the offense with a season-high three goals on a season-high of seven shots on goal.
Gabe Eckhart also contributed significantly, scoring three goals on three shots.
Zion Lee added depth to the attacking line with one goal and one assist.
Jack Bryant anchored the defense, making six saves in goal against 22 shots faced.
PBA opened the first quarter with a strong start, winning the initial faceoff as
Tyler Degirolamo secured possession. Despite an early turnover, the 'Fish defense held firm, causing multiple turnovers and preventing Florida Tech from capitalizing on their opportunities.
Braylon Baker broke the deadlock with a goal at 9:14, followed by a second score from Porter, assisted by Lee, at 5:39. Florida Tech struggled to maintain possession, while the 'Fish efficiently cleared the ball and maintained pressure. Bryant's save in the final seconds preserved a 2–0 lead for PBA at the close of the quarter.
PBA began the second quarter by picking up momentum after an early goal by Florida Tech's Ryan Chancer. Despite a turnover, Bryant made a crucial save, allowing Porter to score with an assist from
Noah Zimmerman, tying the game at 2–2.
As the quarter progressed, PBA capitalized on a turnover, with Eckhart scoring twice, assisted by
Ryan O'Dare, who set a career high with 1 assist, and
Austin Nelson, respectively. This surge put the 'Fish ahead 4–2. Florida Tech responded with a goal, but Eckhart's third goal, assisted by Zimmerman, extended the lead to 5–3.
The quarter concluded with PBA maintaining its advantage, ending with a 6–3 lead over Florida Tech.
PBA maintained its momentum in the third quarter as Lee scored at 12:44, extending the lead. The defensive efforts were highlighted by
Nicholas Johnson, who collected a season-high of 5 ground balls, and
Austin Nelson, each causing turnovers that disrupted Florida Tech's advances. Bryant's saves were pivotal in maintaining the lead.
Despite a Florida Tech goal by Jack Cornwell, PBA's resilience was evident as the team continued to control the pace.
Dallas Pulliam and
Ethan Storey each contributed to defensive stops, ensuring the 'Fish ended the quarter with a 7–4 lead.
PBA began the fourth quarter with an aggressive offensive push. Porter scored early at 13:35, extending the home team's lead. A strong faceoff performance followed, with Johnson securing the ground ball, keeping momentum in the 'Fish's favor.
Florida Tech responded with a series of goals, starting with Gavin Stecher's score at 12:23, leveling the game further. Despite defensive efforts from PBA, Florida Tech continued to find the net, eventually tying the game at 8–8 with Parker Kane's goal at 1:37. The quarter concluded with the score tied, setting the stage for a tense finish.
PBA opened the overtime period with a successful faceoff win by Pulliam, followed by Nelson securing a ground ball, setting the team up with initial possession. Lee had an early opportunity but his shot hit the post, narrowly missing an opportunity to clinch the game.
Following a turnover by Zimmerman, PBA regained control after
Tucker Riggins forced a turnover from Florida Tech, collecting a season-high of 4 ground balls, and
William Santella picked up the ground ball, marking a season-high of 8 ground balls for him. Another shot by
Dominic Barnshaw also hit the post, keeping the score tied as the clock wound down.
Despite a late shot attempt by
Patrick Law, which was saved by Jax Francisco of Florida Tech, the overtime concluded with the score still deadlocked at 8–8, extending the stalemate and leaving the outcome undecided.
As the second overtime period commenced, PBA won the faceoff with Pulliam and secured possession with a ground ball pickup by Santella. The team successfully executed a clear, maintaining their momentum. However, a turnover by Baker shifted the advantage.
Florida Tech capitalized on the turnover, completing a clear of its own. Carson Mann collected the ground ball, setting up Joe Coveleski's goal assisted by Robert McNamara. This decisive play concluded the overtime period, resulting in a 9–8 victory for Florida Tech.
The 'Fish will travel to Rollins on Wednesday for their final game of the season.
