LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Men's Soccer traded punches in a high-intensity battle Saturday evening, playing to a 2-2 draw against Life University at the SEU Soccer Field. The Fire remain unbeaten at 2-0-1 on the season but had to settle for a point after surrendering a late equalizer in the 89th minute.
SEU struck first in the 33rd minute when
Jman Dieng buried his third goal of the season off a clever setup from
Guilherme Viserta. The Fire controlled possession early, outshooting Life 6-2 in the opening half, and carried a 1-0 lead into the break.
The second half turned into a flurry of action. Life pulled level in the 81st minute on a goal from Andrei Apostu, but Southeastern answered quickly. In the 87th, freshman
Tapiwa Kufakurowa delivered his first career goal, finishing a pinpoint assist from Dieng to restore a 2-1 Fire lead.
However, the advantage was short-lived. Life's Tommaso Silanos connected in the 89th minute to cap a back-and-forth finish and force the 2-2 result.
Despite the late equalizer, Southeastern's attack continued to impress. The Fire launched 16 shots, with 13 on target, led by Viserta's seven shots and Dieng's two. Kufakurowa provided an instant spark off the bench, recording three shots — including one off the crossbar — before finding the net.
On the defensive side, goalkeepers
Noah Murray-Hawkins and
Emmanuel Uwazie split time, combining for three saves while facing 11 Life shots.
The Fire remain unbeaten and return to action Monday, September 1, hosting Thomas University (Ga.) at 1 p.m. at the SEU Soccer Field.
Your team. Your news. Your Fire.
Get the inside scoop on SEU Athletics with game previews, recaps, highlights, and more — all delivered right to your inbox. Stay connected and never miss a moment!
Join the Newsletter
