MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – The Anderson University men's soccer team rallied back late in the second half to upset the No.3 nationally ranked Barry University Buccaneers by a score of 3-2 on Thursday (Aug. 31).
August 27, 2022: Almost a year to the date from the last matchup between the two schools, a game in which Barry trailed 2-0 heading into the second half, going on to score three in the period to win 3-2.
The Anderson Trojans kicked off their 2023 season on Thursday night by traveling down to Miami, Florida seeking revenge against No.3 Barry University, before preparing to take on Nova Southeastern on Saturday (Sept. 2).
Barry came out ready to play, controlling the pace of play to start the match by outshooting Anderson 13 to four in the first half. However, the Trojan defensive back line was up to the task as goalkeeper Franco Antoniolli Funes totaled seven saves, and 11 for the entire match.
About halfway through the first half, the Trojans were awarded a corner kick at the 19-minute mark. Freshman Julian Caro Sepulveda placed the ball beautifully on the near side of the box, connecting with the head of Tiago Perez to give Anderson the 1-0 lead. With 10 minutes remaining until halftime, Daniel Haegler scored via a free kick just outside the box, as the ball deflected off the Trojan defenders and into the back of the net, as the score was deadlocked at 1-1 going into the intermission.
Momentum carried over into the second half for the Buccaneers as in the 69th minute, when Gui Gragnano broke free on the left wing and crossed the ball into the box, finding the head of Michele Villanova to claim the 2-1 lead. With 10:30 remaining in the match, Barry was threatening again but goalkeeper Antoniolli-Funes came up with perhaps his biggest save of the night to keep the Anderson upset hopes alive.
Just a few moments later in the 84th minute, Diego Jaramillo found open green grass in the middle of the field, carried possession into the box and executed a quick give-and-go with Santiago Arce, who assisted on Jaramillo's goal to tie the match at 2-2.
With just three minutes remaining in the match, Jamie Round went up for a header and was fouled outside the box. Alejandro Perez and Julian Caro-Sepulveda crowded the set piece, with Caro-Sepulveda launching a shot on goal, that was perfectly placed past the Barry back line and into the back of the net to seal the 3-2 upset win for the Anderson Trojans.
Quote from Coach Michael Zion
"We are so proud of these guys! Big time character on display tonight! Barry is a fantastic team. We had to be resilient and find a way to win. This is a great way to start the season! Vamos AU!"
The Trojans will return to the pitch on Saturday (Sept. 2) as they take on Nova Southeastern University. Game time is set for 7:00 P.M., with video and live stats available at autrojans.com.
