Men's soccer team heads into postseason with dominant defense

Since the first day of practice back in August, Eastern Florida State College men's soccer coach Oliver Twelvetrees knew defending would be a strength this season.

The Titans have lived up to that hype, allowing just 11 goals in 17 games heading into the postseason and been even better in the conference, allowing three goals in six Region 8 Conference games.

"We have said all year that it is the strength of this team," Eastern Florida State College men's soccer coach Oliver Twelvetrees said after Saturday's win against Daytona State."

Sophomores Rhys Myers, Tajay Reid and Perrie Nascimento along with freshmen Moussa Gueye and Cedric Hertes make up a back line that plays well together and takes pride in keeping opposing teams off the scoreboard.

"We have really stuck together and been a strong back four," Myers said. "From preseason we struggled a bit getting to know each other but now we have grown a proper relationship and we love defending. Winning a header or making a tackle is like scoring a goal to us."

Freshman goalkeeper Nour Moaoui has started the past five games and has allowed two goals and has three clean sheets in those five starts, helping the Titans to a 4-1 finish.

"It takes time when you come in as a freshman but he has been fantastic and he has that confidence and personality back there that the defense can trust and they can rely on him," Twelvetrees said. "He always seems to be good for a big save as well."

For the season, Moaoui has allowed four goals and has made 32 saves in nine games for the Titans.

Eastern Florida State College heads into the postseason winning six of the past seven games and will host the winner of the Daytona State-ASA Miami playoff game on Tuesday at 7 p.m. Admission to games at Titan Soccer Complex are free.