Falcon soccer falls short in South Regional

By Chris Megginson (Contact) | Shelby County Reporter

Published Friday, November 14, 2008

The University of Montevallo’s attempt to return to the NCAA Division II men’s soccer Final Four fell short Friday. The Falcons fell to Tampa University, 1-0, in the first round of the South Region at Lynn University in Boca Raton, Fla.

Possession was fairly equal during the first 33 minutes of play, as Tampa had four shots to Montevallo’s three. But despite the Falcons out-shooting the Spartans 6-2 over the next 12 minutes, the match entered halftime tied, 0-0.

Kyle Williams headed in a corner kick from Pascal Milien in the 78th minute to take the lead, 1-0. It was Tampa’s second shot of the half and the only shot that mattered.

The Falcons managed to strike four shots in the first 24 minutes of the second half, but the Tampa defense locked down UM from the 69th minute to the 87th minute. UM all-time leading goal scorer Jonathan Maloney fired two shots in the final 3:32, but both were blocked short of the goal. Maloney led UM with six shots, three on goal, to end his career.

Montevallo goalkeeper David Esser had three saves. Ryan Thompson had six for Tampa.

UM (15-6) was appearing in its fourth NCAA Tournament, falling in the first game for the third time. Last year, UM advanced past Tampa on a penalty kick shootout and went on to play in the national semifinal.

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