LAKELAND, Fla. -- SEU Men's Soccer fought to create chances and controlled long stretches of possession, but defensive lapses proved costly Monday afternoon as the Fire dropped a 3-1 decision to Thomas University at SEU Soccer Field.
Thomas delivered an early punch just under four minutes in when Edward Sack finished a cross from Diego Saenz to put the Night Hawks ahead, 1-0. Southeastern regrouped quickly, leaning on pressure and set pieces to climb back into the match. By the half-hour mark, the Fire had earned multiple corners and were finally rewarded in the 36th minute.
Guilherme Viserta delivered a perfectly placed service into the box, and
Carson Cajuste rose above the defense to head home his second goal of the season, leveling the score at 1-1. The assist marked Viserta's sixth of the year, continuing his strong start as one of SEU's most dangerous creators.
But just as Southeastern seemed to seize momentum, Thomas swung it back. In the 42nd minute, Sack dribbled through the Fire defense and slotted home his second goal of the match, sending the visitors into halftime with a 2-1 advantage.
The Fire continued to push after the break, racking up opportunities and finishing the afternoon with an 11-3 edge in corner kicks. Freshman
Ethan Otto came closest to equalizing, forcing Thomas goalkeeper Damien Fortin into two saves in the final 15 minutes.
However, as SEU committed bodies forward, Thomas capitalized on a counterattack. In the 79th minute, Camilo Penafiel's strike took a deflection on its way into the net, stretching the Night Hawks' lead to 3-1 and sealing the result.
Southeastern finished the match with nine shots, and generated several dangerous moments but couldn't find the finishing touch to close the gap. Cajuste's header and Viserta's continued playmaking highlighted the attack, but defensive miscues proved decisive.
With the loss, the Fire drop to 2-1-1 on the season and will look to bounce back on Saturday, when they host Florida National University at 5 p.m. at SEU Soccer Field.
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