Strong Second Half Leads Rollins Past @OspreyMSOC in Final Exhibition

Sunday, August 24

Jacksonville, Fla.

6:00 p.m.

University of North Florida

Rollins (exh.)

Photo by: Todd Drexler

Strong Second Half Leads Rollins Past @OspreyMSOC in Final Exhibition

8/24/2014 8:29:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score (PDF)

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The North Florida men's soccer team surrendered three, second-half goals and dropped a 3-1 decision to Rollins College this evening in the final scheduled exhibition game.

The Ospreys took a 1-0 lead into the half thanks to a long strike from Simen Solstad in the 29^th minute. The sophomore sent a rocket from well past the 18 yard box, off a perfectly executed set piece into the top right hand corner of the goal. Junior Drew Spragg was credited with the assist on the Ospreys only tally of the contest.

"I thought we did some good things in the first half but there is some things we still need to work on," said North Florida Head Coach Derek Marinatos. "It would have been nice to connect on a few of our chances in the first half with the wind but a few midfield clears late in the game and we are right there. We got a good chance to look at our depth and now can start formulating a plan for rotation this weekend."

Rollins took advantage of two North Florida turnovers to take a 2-1 lead midway through the second half. In the 58^th minute Blackhurst found himself with the ball at his feet just inside the 18, turned and fired a left-footed shot past a diving Kyle Nasta to tie the score at one. A little under eight minutes later, it was Blackhurst again who came up with an errant Osprey pass that he was able to create a breakaway opportunity and chip the ball over a charging Nasta for the eventual game-winner.

The Tars tacked on one more goal after an Osprey foul led to a free kick deep in the attacking zone. A perfectly placed ball off the free kick, found the head of Matt Volk who deflected it into the left side of the net for the third goal of the night.

Nasta was credited with three saves while his counterpart on Rollins, Julian Grundler, made two stops to earn the victory. The Tars owned an 18-7 advantage in shots and both teams attempted five corner kicks in the contest.

The Ospreys officially open up the 2014 season on Friday night in the first game of the Mike Gibbs Memorial Tournament at Hodges Stadium. The men will be the nightcap of a doubleheader on Friday night when they take on Florida Atlantic at 8:00 p.m. The Ospreys will play again at home on Sunday night to face NJIT at 7:00 p.m.