Venutolo's Hat Trick Highlights Handling of Lions

LAKELAND, Fla.- On a day where first-year forward Eduardo Venutolo found the back of the net three times in the second half, the Southeastern University men's soccer team propelled past the Bryan College Lions 4-1 on a scorching Saturday afternoon to improve to 4-1 on the season.
 
 
The Fire struck first in the 16th minute, when graduate forward Ben-Avir Espinal finished a cross from the right wing off the foot of AJ Davis far post to put SEU ahead of BC 1-0.
 
 
With an even shot count of 6-6 in the first half, Espinal's tally proved to be the different heading into the locker room, as the Fire lead the Lions 1-0 at the half.
 
 
Venutolo began his second half showcase in the 48th minute after Julian Hall crossed one from the right wing into the box and Venutolo slotted the ball past the Lions' keeper to double the SEU advantage 2-0.
 
 
Eduardo volleyed a free kick from 45 yards out by Jack Miller into the back of the net in the 59th minute to put the Fire ahead of the Lions 3-0. 
 
 
Venutolo cemented the hat trick in the 64th minute. After trying to give up the ball in the box to SEU teammate Colin Horn, Eduardo buried Horn's deflected shot into the back of the net to grow the Southeastern lead to 4-0.

 
"We told him before the game that today is the day," shared SEU head coach Clay Roberts. "We knew with this matchup he was going to have a lot of opportunities and it was great to see him capitalize out there today.

 
The Lions got one back on a goal in the 73^rd minute on a goal from Haaris Hussain to trim the Fire lead to 4-1.

 
Senior goalkeeper Jonathan Wojciki notched three saves in the Southeastern win.

 
Next up, the Fire host the Life University Running Eagles for another non-conference match next Saturday at 7:00 p.m.