Karl Van Gelder | Sept. 20
Staff Writer
The Florida Southern Men’s soccer team defeated Atlantis University and tied number 6 Florida Tech after falling to Lynn University on September 17.
The game against Lynn was a back and forth battle in the first half with neither team dominating possession of the ball or being able to break through the opposing team’s defense. Going into the second half, the Mocs had clear control of the game, but as the night progressed, and the weather conditions got worse, the Mocs’ momentum slipped away.
Despite the Mocs’ efforts after conceding the PK goal, Lynn prevailed 1-0, their first win of the season.
Even immediately after the game, the team already knew what they would need to do to improve before their next game.
“We have to be more focused at the end of the game,” Mocs defensive midfielder Santiago Erazo said.
This loss led the Mocs to success in the two games they have played since then. On Sept. 20, the team took on Atlantis in a non-conference exhibition game, which they won 5-0.
Junior Kyle Carr found the back of the net twice against Atlantis
“The biggest thing on my mind was that we needed some goals, and I just wanted to get involved as much as I can,” Carr said.
Carr says that the key to the team’s success is to play together as a team and develop a mindset of being one both on the field and during practice.
After the Atlantis exhibition, they returned to conference play with a matchup against number 6 ranked Florida Tech.
The Mocs took the lead early in the game. After the Panthers scored twice, the Mocs caught up with them again. The game ended in a tie, but this was still a significant result on the road for the Mocs.
Henri Tophoven scored both goals for the Mocs during this game, contributing to the team’s success against the Panthers. Throughout the beginning of the season, Tophoven has averaged 1.125 goals per game.
Due to Hurricane Ian, the team has been out of competition for a week and a half, but hope to have success in the coming days. They will face Palm Beach Atlantic University next as they look for a conference win.