The Lee men's soccer team let a few chances get away in the first half and yielded a pair of goals in the second in dropping its first Gulf South match of the season, 2-0 to No. 14 West Florida on Friday evening from the Lee Soccer Field.
The Flames out shot the Argonauts, 9-6 in the match and held a decisive 6-1 advantage in the first half but could not find the back of the net.Â
West Florida took advantage of its chances in the second half cashing in two of its five shots. Bernado Torres broke the scoreless tie in the 57th minute on a goal set up by Ryan Sandidge and Sean Hoffstatter. Just two mintues later it was Ed Chappe adding the all-important insurance goal. Torres was credited with the assist.
Jihad Gomez was posted the shutout in goal and recorded three saves for the Argonauts while Daniel Hrenko suffered the loss in net for the Flames.
"This is a really good West Florida, ranked No. 14 in the country, and I told our boys that we were right there with them. I think that first goal kinda took the wind out of our sails and despite creating a lot of chances we weren't able to get back into it," said Lee head coach Derek Potteiger. "The difference is we have got to start finishing the chances that we create. We have the ability but we need some guys to take some ownership, and I know they will, to say we are going to finish on the offensive end and put some points on the board."
The loss drops Lee to 6-2-2 on the year and 2-1-1 in the GSC. The win propels West Florida to 8-1 and 4-1 in league play.
The Flames will get back on the pitch on Sunday afternoon as they host Spring Hill at 3 p.m.
