TAMPA, Fla. --- No. 5 UCI scored in back-to-back minutes early in the match and held on for the 2-1 victory over the Florida Gulf Coast University Eagles in the brand new Corbett Soccer Stadium on the campus of South Florida to open the USF Tournament.
Starting keeper Andrew Fontein (Las Vegas, Nev. / Sierra Vista HS) came under fire early from the FGCU Eagles (1-2-2) facing four shots and saving two.
The 'Eaters (7-0-0) would respond quickly as Christopher Santana (Bishop / Bishop Union HS) would score off a rebound in the 26th minute giving him his second goal in as many games. Miguel Ibarra (Lancaster / Taft College) would not let the defense rest as he lit up the net for UCI's second score in the 27th minute.
Enrique Cardenas (Coachella / Coachella Valley HS), coming off a Big West Offensive Player of the Week award, earned an assist on both goals. Santana also earned an assist, and the Anteaters would nearly make it three goals in three minutes as Lester Hayes III (Alexandria, Va. / DeMatha Catholic HS) would bank one off the crossbar, but could not find the back of the net.
Each team shuttled the ball around for the final 15 minutes of the half with UCI on top, 2-0.
Both schools would trade shots and fouls as the second half began. FGCU keeper Adam Glick made three saves to keep the Eagles in the match.
Andres Navas scored in the 85th minute to close the gap to 2-1. The Eagles would have a few more chances, but Fontein came up big to keep UCI perfect with the 2-1 victory.
The 7-0-0 Anteaters play again Sunday against host, South Florida. The 12th-ranked Bulls play Saint Louis before they match up with UCI, Sun. Sept. 18 at 10 a.m. PDT in Corbett Soccer Stadium.
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