MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. (September 23, 2023)- The St. Thomas University (STU) Men's Soccer team defeated cross town rival Florida Memorial University 1-0 in the first installment of "The Battle of Miami Gardens" of the season. The Bobcats will hit the road and return to action Wednesday to match up against SCAD-Savanah.
 
The Lions had an early push with a flurry of shots in the beginning of the game, which is expected in a rivalry game. Sixteen minutes into the game Mark Oghogho got the first shot off for STU that would be blocked in front by the Lion defense. The Bobcats were a touch behind to start the game, leading to a few substitutions in the middle of the first half to shake things up.
 
With STU struggling to get anything going offensively, Guido Cacciabue had a small opening that was blocked once again in front before it could reach the keeper. The offense started to pick up for STU with five minutes left in the first half when a shot by Charles Bwanika was saved by the keeper. A corner would follow, leading to another shot that missed just left.
 
Starting the second half fast, Guido Cacciabue netted the lone goal for the Bobcats, his fourth of the young season. Just when it looked like STU had something going the Lions locked down the back half looking to make no other mistakes. Despite the early goal to start the second half, the Bobcats would only get 8 more shots off with only a handful being of good quality. Florida Memorial only had one shot in the second half, which was easily handled by Franco Acerbi for the 1-0 victory.