PENSACOLA, Fla - The University of West Florida Men's Soccer Team opened their 2024 season at home yesterday morning as the Argos hosted the University of Tampa at home. UWF would eventually fall to the Spartans after a late goal in the second half, but the team showed great hustle and work ethic to kick off the 2024 season.

The First 45: 
The Argos came out quick in the first few minutes, as a cross drawn in from Keegan Lynch forced a handball situation from the Spartans, resolving in a penalty kick for the Argos in just the second minute. Senior Keegan Ancelin stepped up to the spot and converted the goal for the Argos early to create momentum. The Spartans found a late goal in the 42nd of the match to put the game at 1-1 heading into halftime. Newcomer of the Spartans Rodrigo Lopes scored off an assist from Jack Hartford. 

In the first 45, UWF added many new faces to the Argo squad as they earned their first start including three new faces to the back line. Mar Aegisson, Andrey Gentil, and Christoph Michelitsch all contributed to a solid backline performance for the Argos. Mats Flock, Dane Christiansen, Flynn Halsor, and Rafael Esteves also earned minutes in the blue and white for the Argos.

The Second 45:
UWF continued to battle and move the ball throughout the second match. The rivalry was there since both teams faced each other early in the season every year. Two yellow cards were issued to the Spartans, and 17 fouls were committed during the match. After a handball was called in the box on the Argos in the second half, Nicolas Meckien was forced to stand on his line for a penalty kick. The veteran goalkeeper stood tall and saved the shot from the Spartans as Meckien dove lower left to keep the game at 1-1. UWF used this momentum to keep pushing forward, but a late far-out shot from Theo Maye put the Spartans ahead 2-1 with just under 10 minutes to go. Keegan Ancelin would have another shot at goal after a ball was sent deep into the box, but found himself just a touch offside to not be able to solidify the goal. The Argos fell 2-1 as the final whistle blew. 

What's Next
UWF will host Saint Leo on September 7th at 12:30pm at the UWF Soccer Complex. For more information visit goargos.com or follow on Instagram and X @uwfsoccer