MELBOURNE, Fla. — Mississippi Col. (14-2-4, 9-0-2) secured a 2-0 victory over Florida Tech (8-3-8, 5-2-3) at Rick Stottler Field on Sunday. The Choctaws' goalkeeper recorded seven saves to earn a shutout, while the team netted a goal in each half.
The match opened with both teams actively pursuing early opportunities. Florida Tech's Antonio Di Gaudio had his shot saved by
Cole Turner in the 5th minute, setting a defensive tone. Mississippi College responded with a shot by
Sergio Garrido in the 10th minute, which was saved by Elias Ronning.
Alvaro Pena broke the deadlock for Mississippi College with a goal in the 28th minute, assisted by
Ben Britton, giving the visitors a 1-0 lead. Florida Tech struggled to capitalize on their chances, including a corner kick in the 22nd minute and multiple shots off target, as the first half concluded with MC maintaining their advantage.
Mississippi College extended their lead early in the second half with a goal in the 71st minute by
Angel Carceles, assisted by
Russell Berko, putting them ahead 2-0. Florida Tech attempted to respond, but
Cole Turner made several crucial saves, including one in the 75th minute against Jacopo De Collibus. The Choctaws maintained their defensive intensity, managing to hold Florida Tech scoreless despite multiple corner kicks by the home team. The match concluded with The Blue and Gold securing a 2-0 victory, advancing them to the third round of the 2025 Men's D2 NCAA Tournament where they will take on Lynn on Sunday, Nov. 30, in Boca Raton, Fla.
The first half saw Mississippi College take an early advantage against Florida Tech. While both teams exchanged shots,
Cole Turner was instrumental in goal, making several key saves to thwart Florida Tech's attempts. The breakthrough came in the 28th minute when
Alvaro Pena scored with an assist from
Ben Britton, putting MC ahead. The half closed with The Blue and Gold maintaining a 1-0 lead, as their defense held firm against Florida Tech's offensive efforts.
The second half began with our team maintaining pressure on Florida Tech. Mississippi College's
Russell Berko fired a shot early in the half that was saved by the home team's goalkeeper, Elias Ronning. Both teams exchanged attempts, with
Cole Turner making a crucial save at the 55:56 mark to keep the scoreboard unchanged.
The Choctaws broke the deadlock at 70:54 when
Angel Carceles scored, assisted by
Russell Berko, extending their lead. Florida Tech responded with several attempts, but
Cole Turner remained solid in goal, denying multiple shots. The half closed with MC holding a 2-0 advantage.
Angel Carceles scored one goal from his only shot on target.
Alvaro Pena contributed the game-winning goal, converting his single shot into a decisive point.
Cole Turner recorded seven saves, securing a shutout over 90 minutes.
Ben Britton added an assist, enhancing the team's offensive efforts.
Mississippi Col. Top Performers
Cole Turner
----------------------
- seven saves
- 90 minutes played
- shutout
Angel Carceles
----------------------
- one goal
- one shot on goal
Alvaro Pena
----------------------
- one goal
- game-winning goal
Russell Berko
----------------------
- one assist
- two shots on goal
Mississippi College holds a record of 14-2-4 overall and 9-0-2 in conference play. Florida Tech stands at 8-3-8 overall with a 5-2-3 mark in conference games.
