NSU Sharks News

NSU Men's Soccer Defeat No. 25 Florida Tech, 1-0

athletic pic

David Wahlberg scores game winning goal in 86th minute

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fla. (Sept. 9, 2009) - The Nova Southeastern men's soccer team picked up its biggest win of the season Wednesday night by defeating No. 25 Florida Tech, 1-0 in a non-conference match at the NSU Soccer Complex. It is the programs first win against a ranked opponent since August 29, 2008 when they took down No. 22 Clayton State. The Sharks currently stand at 3-2-0 this season.

"I'm really pleased with the character of the team, they showed team spirit tonight," said Coach Giuseppe DePalo. "Our technical game was outstanding, but what I was most impressed by was our invincible determination. This was our first complete game of the season."

There was not much action in the first half as the Shark defense clamped down on the Panthers. NSU held the opposition to three shots, only one of which was on goal. The score was tied at zero a piece by the halfway point, but Aly Hassan (Jr., Davie, Fla.) came dangerously close to opening up a lead. He took six shots in the period and had three shots on goal. He would finish the day with a game-high eight shots and five shots on target.

The score was tied for most of the second half and the fans at the NSU Soccer Complex were getting prepared for an overtime thriller. Those plans were put to rest when David Wahlberg (Sr., Skanor, Sweden) scored from inside the 18 yard box, just four minutes before the end of regulation. Alvin Quaye (So., London, England) set up Wahlberg who launched the ball past the goalkeeper and into the left side of the net. It was Quaye's first assist of the season.

The Shark defense became even more relentless in the second half as they did not allow a single shot on goal. The Panthers were held to seven total shots on the night, marking the least amount for an NSU opponent this season. The Sharks finished the game with 19 shots, seven of which were on goal.

"All credit to Florida Tech," concluded DePalo. "We beat a really good team tonight."

Nova Southeastern will take the weekend off before a home match against Florida Memorial on Monday, Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.