PULASKI, Tenn. – The UT Southern men's soccer team controlled much of the second half and created numerous scoring opportunities, but Mobile capitalized on its chances in a 3-0 Southern States Athletic Conference victory Thursday night at Grissom Pitch.
The Firehawks fell to 8-2-1 overall and 4-2 in conference play, while the Rams improved to 6-3-4 overall and 3-2-3 in the SSAC.
Mobile struck first in the 23rd minute and carried a 1-0 lead into halftime despite UT Southern beginning to build momentum late in the opening period. The visitors held a 10-4 advantage in first-half shots, but the Firehawks looked like a different team after the break.
UT Southern dominated possession and field position throughout the second half, firing 19 shots and earning all eight of its corner kicks over the final 45 minutes. The Firehawks consistently applied pressure, forcing Mobile deep into its own half and creating several dangerous opportunities around the goal.
Daquan Duhaney, Filippo Fregoli, Lorick Gustave, Christian Sentz, Paolo Perez, Nick Miske, and Luciano Ruberto all threatened as UT Southern searched for the equalizer. The Mobile goalkeeper proved to be the difference, making several key saves to keep the Firehawks off the scoreboard.
The match took a dramatic turn in the 72nd minute when UT Southern was reduced to 10 men following a red card. Mobile capitalized on the ensuing penalty kick to extend its lead to 2-0.
Even a man down, the Firehawks continued to press forward. Perez forced a save in the 78th minute, Miske tested the goalkeeper in the 86th minute, and Ruberto nearly broke through in the closing moments.
Mobile added a third goal in the 87th minute that effectively put the match away. From the UT Southern perspective, the play appeared to develop with a Mobile attacker in an offside position, but no flag was raised and the goal stood.
Despite the result, the Firehawks finished with significant advantages in shots (23-12), second-half shots (19-2), and corner kicks (8-3), reflecting the pressure UT Southern applied throughout the final 45 minutes.
By the Numbers
- Shots: UT Southern 23, Mobile 12
- Shots on Goal: Mobile 6, UT Southern 5
- Corner Kicks: UT Southern 8, Mobile 3
- Saves: William McGinn (3)
- Attendance: 371
Up Next
UT Southern returns to action on Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Firehawks host Faulkner University at Grissom Pitch. Kickoff has been moved up due to the potential for unfavorable weather associated with Hurricane Isaias.
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