NSU, Florida Tech Set to Meet in SSC Tournament Quarterfinal

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. – After waiting four extra days to pinpoint its opponent, the Nova Southeastern women’s soccer team has its sights set on a rematch with Florida Tech in the opening round of the Sunshine State Conference Tournament, scheduled for Monday at 7 p.m. from the NSU Soccer Complex.

Receiving three goals by three different players, the Sharks collected an impressive road victory this past Tuesday at Rollins to lock up the No. 3 seed in the tournament. However, head coach James Moore and company were forced to play the waiting game, as the pecking order in the conference tournament remained in flux with Rollins needing a make-up date with Florida Southern to close SSC play. Rescheduled from Sept. 22 to Nov. 6, the match was moved once again – this time to Nov. 7 – before Rollins finally came away with a 1-0 win to grab the No. 5 seed, which then bumped Florida Tech into the No. 6 slot.

The stakes will obviously be much higher this time around, yet the Sharks ought to feel fairly confident. Not only will NSU enter Monday fresh off a quality road victory, but will get the Panthers at home once again after previously defeating them 1-0 in Fort Lauderdale back on Oct. 2. In a near-even contest, the Sharks leaned on a sound defensive effort and a goal in the 44th minute by freshman Louise Matsgard.

Matsgard has been a welcomed addition to the Sharks in 2021, and used that first meeting with Florida Tech as a bit of a springboard, having scored all six of her goals in the final month of the season. Matsgard’s six goals are currently tied for the team lead with fellow freshman Dani Correa, while sophomore Chama Silva has registered five goals to go along with a team-high four assists.

While NSU has been one of the better offenses in the SSC, Florida Tech has prided itself as not only the top defense in the SSC, but one of the very best in the entire nation. Through 15 games, the Panthers have logged nine shutouts, good enough for a 0.47 goals-against average. Of the six matches that they’ve surrendered a goal, only Embry-Riddle has been able to tally more than one.

Monday’s winner will advance to Thursday’s semifinal round, where No. 2 seed Palm Beach Atlantic awaits.

For complete coverage of Monday’s action, visit the schedule page on NSUSharks.com, or follow the Sharks on Instagram and Twitter at @NSU_WSoccer.

 

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