Tampa, Fla. – Not even 300 Spartans would have stopped Lynn University's women's soccer team Thursday night as the Fighting Knights knocked off Tampa 1-0 despite playing a man down for much of the match.  Melissa Ortiz scored the deciding 1-0 game-winning goal in helping LU defeat UT for the first time since 2004 and improve to 7-3-1 overall and 2-2 in the Sunshine State Conference.

The Spartans had to hold off the Blue & White from the opening whistle with Ortiz and Kirstie Schults putting pressure on the UT defense.  Lynn's momentum took a major hit, though, 19 minutes into play when Jackie Hellett was sent off with a red card.

Tampa (6-4-1, 0-2-0 SSC) took advantage and let loose a barrage of shots.  The Knights' defense did a fantastic job by limiting the Red, Black & Gold's attempts to outside the 18-yard box.  Of the 12 first-half shots by UT, keeper Meghan Dolan only needed to stop three.

A chance play by Ortiz 1:50 into the second period took momentum away from Tampa and brought new life to the Fighting Knights.  The senior forward collected a pass from the midfield and raced forward, splitting a pair of Spartan defenders in the process.  From 45-yards out, Ortiz launched a towering shot that hovered in the air for what seemed like days.  Tampa's 6-foot-2 goalie, Emelie Karstrom, back pedaled into the net and watched helplessly as the ball sailed over her head for the goal.

Schults nearly made it 2-0 minutes later when she grabbed a pass from Ortiz and had a one-on-one with Karstrom.  UT's keeper made a diving punch save, forcing the shot left of the net.

Dolan was outstanding in the second half with Tampa bearing down.  The freshman keeper stopped seven shots, giving her 10 on the night, including several within the six-yard box off UT.  She has stopped 21 shots in her past two games.

Lynn returns to action on Tuesday, October 11, at 1 p.m. when it hosts Nova Southeastern.  Fans can watch the action live by logging on to www.LynnFightingKnights.com and selecting the Game Central icon.