LAKELAND, Fla. ( Oct. 12, 2022) – Under the cloudy night of Lakeland, Florida, No. 19 Florida National failed to defeat one of the rising teams in the NAIA, as they lost to RV Southeastern 4-0 Wednesday. The Conquistadors came into the contest allowing only seven goals through their first seven contest. Despite a trend of tremendous defense, FNU gave up four goals to the home team in their first shutout loss. With this loss, the Conquistadors fall to 7-1-2 while Southeastern improves to 5-2-3.
In the first half, Southeastern jumped out to an early 2-0 lead following goals from Gianluca Contegno and a successful penalty kick. Lucas Nishioka. Both goals were placed on the lower left corner of the net just past the waiting arms of FNU keeper Victor Ruiz. SEU lead the way with eight shots in the half to FNU’s five.
The second half, SEU continued to rack up the goals, with a 4-0 lead before a lightning delay paused play with about 17 minutes left in the contest. The Fire’s Edoardo Venutolo headed his goal into the bottom right corner off a near-perfect cross-in from teammate Vittorio Sasso. SEU’s second goal of the half came from Chris Thorpe on an assist from Skylar Funk.
Following the lightning delay, the game was called at the 72-minute mark. The Fire ended the match with thirteen shots and five corners. FNU collected seven shots and four corners. Conquistadors Victor Ruiz goalie earned two saves in the game.
Up Next: FNU looks to bounce back from this defeat as they host conference foe Florida College October 15. Kickoff at Milander park is set for 10 a.m.
