May 8, 2008

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Dolphins defeated U.S. Open Cup team Lynchs 4-0 on March 30 and cross-town rival UNF 2-1, April 2.

The Dolphins offense proved too much for Lynchs, as junior forward Ramak Niakan safi scored two goals and two freshmen, midfielder Nedim Hrustic and forward Wesley Lartey, added one a piece. The Dolphins goalkeepers, junior Joey Sanchez and freshman Matt Gilman, split time in the net to record the combined shutout.

On April 2, the Dolphins faced off against North Florida and came away with a 2-1 victory.

Hrustic again was on the score sheet, this time recording a 30-yard blast that the Osprey's goalkeeper could not handle. Hrustic was later fouled in the box and the resulting penalty kick was slotted home by junior midfielder Philipp Meyner for the game-winner.

The Dolphins finish the spring season with a 7-1-1 record and were a perfect 6-0 in full sided games, where they posted four shutouts and allowed only three goals, while scoring 16 of their own.

"I feel like we got better each opportunity that we played during the spring," said JU head coach Mike Johnson. "We used the time to evaluate the team and gain some experience for some of our younger players. Obviously, we expect to win anytime we step on the field now and I believe the results we got in the spring will definitely provide us with a positive mindset going into next season.

"It was nice to see us creating and scoring goals with relatively inexperienced players as well as continuing to put ourselves in winning positions by defending as a team and getting good goalkeeping. I am very pleased with the progress that the team made throughout the spring and the work ethic that they showed. I believe that they leave here highly motivated for next season."