Eastern Florida State Men’s Soccer Fall Short in Region 8 Final With 2-1 Loss to No. 3 Daytona State

NJCAA Division I National Tourney begins Nov. 16

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Eastern Florida State College men’s soccer team capped off a strong postseason run, advancing to the Region 8 Tournament Final after defeating Miami Dade College 2-1 in double overtime.

However, their bid for back-to-back championships ended with a 2-1 loss to No. 3 Daytona State College in the final on Saturday night.

Against Miami Dade, the No. 7 Titans battled through a tense semifinal that was decided in the second overtime.

Joao Victor Loureiro centered a ball that led to a rebound off the Miami Dade goalkeeper, allowing Tarik Ferraz Freire to send home the game-winner, his second of the season, and propel the Titans to the championship match.

Jacopo Caprile also scored for the Titans, tying the game just before halftime after Mario Bardi had given the Sharks a first-half lead.

In the final, the Titans struck first when Alvin Ssekamate intercepted a pass and set up Loureiro, who headed the ball into the net just over a minute into the second half.

Daytona State quickly responded with goals from Ashenafi Jarre and Daniel Adzah to take a 2-1 lead. Despite several late chances, the Titans were unable to equalize, as Daytona goalkeeper Matthew McCall made key saves down the stretch.

Eastern Florida State finished the season 11-3-1 and as Region 8 runner-up for the first time in program history. The Titans will now wait to see if they earn an at-large berth to the NJCAA Division I National Tournament, which begins November 16 at Daytona State College.

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