Sunday, August 21, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - For the University of North Florida men's soccer team Sunday's 4-0 loss to in-state rival Rollins College in its first exhibition match of the season wasn't completely unexpected, even if it was unpleasant for head coach Ray Bunch and his squad.

The Ospreys were playing the match short-handed due to injuries and have only been together as a squad for six days.

"I didn't think we played very well, but Rollins is a good team and has been for many years, and when you come into a match against a team like that you want to be at full strength," Bunch said. "We didn't have all of our guys available because of different reasons, and along with that we have only had a week of practice. So, I don't think what we saw today was really unexpected, but obviously we aren't pleased."

The Tars jumped out to a quick lead when Chris Chafin blew the ball past UNF goalkeeper Kyle Callahan to give Rollins a 1-0 lead just 8:09 into the match.

Matthew Gowan, Jon Gruenewald and Juan Kusnir each added goals for Rollins in the win.

Senior forward Terry Peak led the offense charge for the Ospreys by tallying three shots on goal. Freshman Rohan Culley added two shots for UNF, which was unable to sneak the ball past Rollins' Frazer Sidall.

The Tars outshot the Ospreys 11-7.

Ryan Dodds led the way for Rollins with four shots, two of which were on goal.

The Ospreys will return to action on Saturday for their second of three preseason matches when they play host to Embry Riddle at the UNF Soccer Stadium. That match is set to begin at 2 p.m.