Header photo: Juan Masqueda – Photo Credit: Florida Tech Athletics

It was a rough night on the pitch for Florida Tech men’s soccer on Saturday. They traveled to Miami Shores and sat through a two-hour plus rain delay before dropping a 3-1 decision to the Buccaneers.

It was the first conference loss of the season for the Panthers, who were coming off a 2-1 win over Embry-Riddle on Wednesday.

Barry (2-4-1, 1-1-0) SSC got on the board first with 14:01 elapsed in the first half thanks to a goal from Lucas Silva. He beat Panthers goaltender Luis Tovar Romero up high and the Bucs were off and running. 

The Panthers (3-2, 1-1 SSC) got the equalizer as Abram Murphy sent a ball into the box that Juan Masqueda headed home, evening things at one. It was the first goal of Masquada’s Panther career and came in the 32nd minute.

That was the way the first half would end. Barry had a 9-5 advantage in shits and led 2-1 in shots on goal. They would take control in the second half.

The Panthers were hit with five yellow cards and one of those led to a free kick for Barry in the 59th minute. They would convert, as Juan Caffaro booted one home and gave the home team a 2-1 lead.

It took just 3:24 for Barry to find an insurance goal, with Estefano Savietto putting this one away, and sending his team to a convincing victory. 

Romero did collect six saves in the loss.

For more info: Florida Tech @ Barry Box Score

The Panthers return home next Saturday, playing host to another Sunshine State Conference foe in Nova Southeastern. The match will get underway at 7:00 p.m. at Rick Stottler Field.