WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. – Florida Poly men's soccer battled Keiser University through a scoreless opening 45 minutes before the Seahawks struck twice in the second half to hand the Phoenix a 2-0 setback on Wednesday, September 23, at Arrigo-Vecellio Stadium. The loss moved Florida Poly to 4-4-1 on the season, while Keiser improved to 5-1-0.
Florida Poly faced pressure throughout the opening half but received a strong performance from goalkeeper Andres Villegas to keep the match scoreless. Keiser generated 16 first-half shots, but Villegas made five saves to keep the Seahawks off the board. The Phoenix produced their first dangerous opportunity in the 14th minute when Tarquin Adams put a shot on target, forcing Keiser goalkeeper Finn Froley into a save. Julian Villegas added another shot on goal in the 36th minute, but Froley again kept Florida Poly off the scoresheet.
Keiser came close to breaking through late in the opening period, hitting the crossbar twice in a span of less than two minutes. Mohammed Mouzoune struck the woodwork in the 38th minute before Gabi Villafane followed with another attempt off the crossbar in the 39th. Villegas then made saves on Ian Garnero and Timo Boomkens in the closing minutes as the Phoenix successfully carried a 0-0 tie into halftime despite the Seahawks' sustained attacking pressure.
The Phoenix generated an early opportunity after the break when Adams earned a corner in the 53rd minute. Jaydon Sparkman followed with a shot on goal moments later, but Froley made the save. Keiser continued to apply pressure on the other end, and Villegas denied Mikael Baisotti twice during the early stages of the second half before making another stop against Nicolaj Kamarin in the 69th minute.
The Seahawks finally broke the deadlock in the 71st minute when Mouzoune found the back of the net for the game's opening goal. Florida Poly looked for an equalizer and generated a chance through Ahmad Hijaz in the 82nd minute, but his attempt was blocked. Keiser then added an insurance goal at the 84:17 mark when Sergio Padín-Rey scored to extend the advantage to 2-0.
Florida Poly finished the contest with five shots, putting three on goal, while Keiser recorded 27 attempts and 10 shots on target. Adams led the Phoenix with two shots, including one on frame, while Sparkman and Julian Villegas each registered a shot on goal. Hijaz accounted for Florida Poly's other attempt. Villegas played all 90 minutes in goal and delivered eight saves while facing 10 shots on target. The Phoenix also earned two corner kicks and finished with 13 fouls and one yellow card.
