Golden Eagles Play To Mixed Results In Tampa

3/9/2009 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer

March 8, 2009

TAMPA, Fla. -- The Marquette men's soccer team got their first dose of competition this spring as the Golden Eagles kicked off their spring exhibition slate with a Saturday doubleheader. MU dropped a 2-0 decision to the University of Tampa before playing to a 2-2 draw against Saint Leo University.

Sophomore Scott Miller and freshman Calum Mallace were each credited with a goal in the nightcap. Miller netted the opening goal, back post, in the eighth minute on a deadball serve from sophomore Matt Stummer. Mallace had the match's lone second-half goal, knotting the score on a header served by left-footed sophomore Anthony Colaizzi in the 50th minute of action.

"The second fast-paced game of the game against Saint Leo's allowed our lads to again pit themselves against a team laden with foreign talent, just as the morning game," said head coach Louis Bennett.

Many young players garnered their first start against Saint Leo's, or played for the first time against collegiate competition in a game setting. Junior Keenan Flynn started at goalkeeper, allowing starting keeper Matt Pyzdrowski to play the first half of the contest as a central defender.

Freshman goalkeepers David Check and Ben Calvopina, along with classmates Greg Pignataro and Chris Madsen also some saw some of their first action in Blue and Gold.

"The game saw a reversal of events for us with a spirited second half performance with a squad that was showing signs of fatigue," said Bennett. "I knew this trip would stress and test us and tonight we put another building block in our program developments.

Bennett mentioned Miller's all-around leadership and Colaizzi's ability to help manufacture offense as other positives to build upon. Billy Von Rueden was also credited with a solid defensive effort, while Stummer and freshman defender Michael Alfano played all 180 minutes.

Earlier in the day, Tampa found the back of the net twice early on in the second half en route to the victory.

"We had a promising first half where the front five threatened but failed to break the deadlock despite some good chances," Bennett said of the match with Tampa. "The two goals in the second half took the wind out of our sails and the 80-degree weather started to take its toll.

"Tampa is a good team of good players. They came well-acclimated to playing in the heat. It was a good gauge for some of our players and good experience playing down here against a [NCAA Division II] Final Four team. The score flattered Tampa, but they broke the net, so they deserved the win."

Marquette will return to action March 21 at Valley Fields to take part in the annual Blue vs. Gold spring intra-squad match. Kick off is set for noon. Admission is free.