Tars Fall Short in 4-2 Home Loss to Florida Tech Panthers

**Winter Park, Fla. (September 25, 2024)** – A slow start proved costly for the Rollins Tars as they fell 4-2 at home to the Florida Tech Panthers on Wednesday night. The loss drops the Tars to 2-3 on the season, while the Panthers improve to 3-2.

After a brief weather delay pushed the kickoff back by about 20 minutes, the game proceeded under ideal conditions for soccer. Florida Tech came out strong, dominating possession and keeping the pressure on Rollins’ defense from the start.

The Panthers struck first in the 21st minute when Osvaldo Santana sent a cross into the box that Jonas Schmitt headed past Rollins goalkeeper Jabari Gray. Just one minute later, Florida Tech doubled their lead as Hermann Runarsson delivered a cross to Filippo Fazzi, who finished with an impressive back-heel kick.

Despite a more spirited effort from Rollins after halftime, they struggled to convert chances early in the second half. Florida Tech extended their lead to 3-0 in the 60th minute when Fazzi set up Runarsson for a goal.

Rollins finally got on the board when Mikkel Fodstad fired a shot that was saved by the Panthers’ keeper, but Isaac Hunter pounced on the rebound and scored his first goal of the season.

Ten minutes later, Yousef Shakweer was fouled inside the box, earning the Tars a penalty. Senior Rory Doyle stepped up and calmly placed his shot into the right corner, cutting Florida Tech’s lead to 3-2.

The Tars continued to press, launching three more attempts, but none found the back of the net. In the 85th minute, Jacopo Ghezzi secured the win for Florida Tech with a powerful free kick that deflected off Gray’s outstretched hand.

Despite outshooting the Panthers 13-5 in the second half and earning eight corner kicks to Florida Tech’s two, Rollins couldn’t close the gap. The match was also a physical one, with Rollins receiving five yellow cards compared to the Panthers’ one.

The Tars played without key players Jorge Lameiras, their top goal scorer, and Hayden Judge, a vital part of their defense.

Rollins will look to bounce back in their next game, a road matchup against Barry on Saturday night, with kickoff set for 7:00 pm in Miami Shores.