David Perez scored Lee’s first and third goals to lead the Lee University men’s soccer team to a 3-1 victory over Palm Beach Atlantic University in Lynn University’s Wyndham Deerfield Beach Resort Soccer Classic. Lee faces Lynn Saturday evening at 7 p.m. in the classic finale. Lynn defeated Shorter University 4- 1 Friday evening.
“David Perez came up big for us with two goals and taking advantage of a defensive miscue,” said Lee head coach Paul Furey. “Matt Brady’s work ethic played a part in both goals.”
Following a scoreless first half, Perez opened the scoring with an unassisted goal in the 69th minute.
Quade Marinell scored the eventual game-winner a little over four minutes later. Gabe Franco was credited with the assist.
Lee and Palm Beach Atlantic would trade goals in the final minutes. Perez added his second goal, while PBA’s Daniel Pena erased Lee’s hope for a shutout.
Tom Halsall recorded 11 saves in goal for the Flames. Steeven Raymond tallied four saves in the loss.
“Tommy was solid in goal,” added Furey. “He was very steady and confident.”
The Sailfish took 16 shots to Lee’s nine and put 12 shots on goal, while the Flames placed seven shots on frame. Eight of Palm Beach Atlantic’s shots on goal came in the second half.
Both squads were awarded three corner kicks and were called for being offside once.
“This was a nice win on the road for us,” concluded Furey. “I thought we played intelligently in very humid conditions. It was a real good game with both teams moving the ball well and creating chances. We beat a good team today.”