LAKELAND, Fla.—After a scoreless first half, Southeastern was defeated by Thomas University due to three second half goals by the Night Hawks.
The first 45 minutes of play saw both teams hold a lot of possession leading to crosses, but only a single quality scoring chance was produced.
Jorge Navarrete came sliding out to save a ball that was played to a Thomas striker to keep a clean sheet until halftime.
Navarrete, who finished with six saves on the night, was busy early in the second period. The Plant City native blocked a plethora of shots by Thomas heading into the latter portion of the game, as the Night Hawks fired 15 of their 22 attempts in the second half.
Leo Thompson was the sole offensive threat for the Night Hawks in the contest. Thompson, who came into the match leading the Night Hawks in goals, shots, and shots on goal, added to his team-highs with a hat trick in a 12 minute span.
In the 75
th minute, the English striker broke through for the first tally of the game, by capitalizing on a short tap in opportunity set up by Gavin Rochford-Smith.
Five minutes later, Thomas' advantage was doubled on Thompson's second goal. The forward received a ball on the left wing, cut across the top of the box and fired a shot across his body into the left side of the net.
Thompson was able to provide insurance in the 87
th minute when a corner kick was headed in his direction. The forward connected and sent a ball that beat Navarrete as it glanced off of the right upright.
Southeastern then attempted to rally from the three goal deficit.
Just 30 seconds after Thomas' third goal, a cross by
Tyler Gay was blocked by the hand of a Night Hawks defender, giving the Fire a penalty kick. The kick from the spot was finished coolly by
Gustavo Rodrigues, who sent the keeper the wrong way and slid the ball into the net. Rodrigues led all Southeastern players with five shots in the match, two of which were on goal.
Though the Fire gained momentum and created scoring chances late, their comeback fell short as Thomas took the contest by a score of 3-1.
The Fire will be back on the field tomorrow night for Senior Night when they take on Trinity Baptist at 7:30 p.m.
