Tars Suffer Narrow Defeat

Box score

TAMPA, Fla. (November 6, 2009)-The top seeded Rollins men's soccer team was upset in the Sunshine State Conference Tournament semifinals 1-0 by fourth seed Barry, Friday. Sascha Koettig scored the game winner with under three minutes to play to give the Bucs the victory. With the loss the Tars could not advance past the semi-finals of the SSC Tournament, while Barry moves on into the final game against Tampa, Sunday afternoon.

The first half saw a closely contested game between the two teams as Rollins outshot Barry 5-2. Rollins had excellent opportunities to score, but Bucs freshmen keeper Johnny Rodrigues turned the Tars away.

Tars keeper Aaron Rokeach was up to the task throughout the game, but allowed a late goal to allow Barry to escape with the win.

The game was a mirror image of the one played in Winter Park two weeks ago as each team traded attacks to no avail.

Sascha Koettig broke the tie in the 88th minute as he sent a ball to the back of the net past an outstretched Aaron Rokeach for the game deciding goal.

Rollins turned up the pressure on Barry and had a chance to tie, but a Ryan Maleknia shot sailed high as the Barry goalkeeper was out of position.

The Tars continued to attack and push forward, but the back line for Barry turned back Rollins for the remaining two minutes.
Rollins will await the conclusion of the tournament to see the location and pairing of the First Round of the NCCA Tournament, which will be announced Monday at 7 p.m.

Fans can check out RollinsSports.com for all the latest news and information on NCAA Tournament action.