AUBURNDALE, Fla. – Florida Polytechnic University men's soccer erupted for three goals over the final nine minutes Wednesday night, rallying from a one-goal deficit to defeat Warner University, 3-1. The victory improved the Phoenix to 4-1-0 on the season.
The two sides played an evenly contested opening half with neither team able to break through. Florida Poly generated four shots and three corner kicks before halftime, while Warner managed three attempts. Julian Villegas forced Warner goalkeeper Mikey Melvin into a save in the 20th minute before Adrian Arteaga put a header on frame in the 26th. Porter Malloy handled Warner's best opportunity of the half, stopping a Jason Flaming attempt in the 16th minute as the teams entered halftime scoreless.
Florida Poly increased the pressure after the break, but Warner found the opening goal in the 76th minute. Euan Bunn set up Jackson Davenport, who scored at 75:37 to give the Royals a 1-0 advantage. The Phoenix responded quickly rather than allowing the deficit to stand. Less than six minutes later, Arteaga connected with Tarquin Adams, who finished at 81:32 to level the match at 1-1.
The momentum remained firmly with Florida Poly. Just 1:45 after Adams' equalizer, Ahmad Hijaz put the Phoenix in front at 83:17 off an assist from Kaden Curtin. Warner was reduced to 10 men when Greg Jackson II received a red card at 85:32, and Florida Poly took advantage shortly afterward. Martin Aguilar delivered the finishing blow at 87:06, converting another Curtin assist to extend the lead to 3-1 and complete a three-goal surge in just 5:34.
The Phoenix finished with a 16-9 advantage in total shots and put six attempts on goal compared with four for Warner. Florida Poly also produced six corner kicks while Warner finished with five. Adams and Hijaz each recorded four shots and a goal, while Aguilar scored on his only attempt. Curtin was instrumental in the comeback with two assists, while Arteaga added an assist and a shot on goal. Malloy started in goal for the Phoenix and kept Warner scoreless during the opening 45 minutes while recording one save. Collin Lane took over for the second half, making two saves and earning the victory. Florida Poly outshot Warner 12-6 in the second half, with all three Phoenix goals coming after the 81-minute mark.
