Colleges: Spartans round out busy week against Moccasins

TAMPA – Playing three games in four days this week, it was a necessity for University of Tampa men’s soccer coach Adrian Bush to use some player rotation to attempt to keep his players fresh for the duration.

What really pleased Bush, though, was the performance of those players who stepped into starting roles against Webber International on Wednesday afternoon.

“I was extremely pleased with the result (Wednesday),” Bush said. “Just as equally pleased as I was on Tuesday because it really gave those guys the opportunity they’ve been working for to come out and they performed. When their time was called, they didn’t look back, they played extremely well.”

Bush was especially pleased with center back Matt Noble, a former Wharton High standout, whose performance really stood out.

“I think when you’re behind (Dan) Ingvarsson and Kyle Williams, it’s a good position to be in because there’s so much I think Matt has learned in the last three months with these guys,” Bush said. “But he was definitely deserving of stepping in, and he proved that (Wednesday) that he could step in and do an outstanding job. I was really happy for him, just as with the rest of the guys.”

Goalkeeper Clete Goddard also made his first start, earning a shutout, which led to a post-game presentation from regular Spartans goalkeeper Ryan Thompson.

“Thompson presented him with the game-ball at the end of the game, which was a special moment, an act of class on his part,” Bush said.

Now the No.3-ranked Spartans round out the week with their third Sunshine State Conference game as they host Florida Southern at 7:30 p.m. While the Moccasins have struggled for the most part this season, posting a 1-7-0 record so far, Bush is not expecting an easy game.

“It’s another tough conference game,” Bush said. “They’re a quality team. I know they’ve been hit with some injuries, but it’s always tough when we play them just as it is with an conference game. Our only focus is them.”