The St. Thomas men's soccer team experienced its first loss of the season Monday, as Northwood University pulled out a 2-1 overtime win in West Palm Beach. St. Thomas scored the first goal in the 16th minute, but was unable to threaten again and eventually lost on an overtime goal in the 116th minute.
The outcome looked promising in the onset as Gabe Renteria found the back of the net off a ball from Jaisen Labrada on the first shot of the game. Renteria and Labrada continue to be the most active offensive players for the Bobcats, as their on-point passes and constant motion have created multiple goals and chances this season. However, as the game continued, Northwood was able to disrupt the feisty St. Thomas attack, and only allowed two more shots the entire game, with none being attempted in the second period or overtime.
Aaron Jones and the defense did what they could in holding the Seahawks to only one goal on 8 shots, until giving up the deciding goal to end the game. Again, a more physical and emotionally charged contest hurt the Bobcats, as they were assessed 17 fouls and 3 yellow cards. Just as in the season opener with Warner Southern, where the Bobcats also received three yellows and one red card, the Bobcats lost control of their emotions at times, hurting their offensive flow and never allowing them to be a consistent threat.
This loss was also the first Sun Conference defeat for the Bobcats, who now stand at 2-1, and now look ahead to out-of-conference Nova Southeastern University on September 19th. The men will return to conference play on the 21st against Savannah College of Art and Design, a team who the Bobcats beat 3-2 in a hard fought game earlier this season when the Bees were ranked 25th in the country.
