University of South Florida
Syracuse
Pacheo, Lofton-Malachi Lead Women's Soccer Past Orange, 1-0
October 10, 2008 | Women's Soccer
Box Score
TAMPA-The University of South Florida women's soccer team used an early score from freshman Gina Pacheo combined with junior goalkeeper Mallori Lofton-Malachi's record tying eight shutout of the season to leave Syracuse's Lampe Athletic Complex victorious over the Orange, 1-0.
“It was great come in here and get the win,” said Bulls head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. “We probably played the best soccer that we have all season. I feel we have played better each game and that is exactly what we want to be doing at this point in the season.”
The Bulls would strike early in the ninth minute when Pacheo beat Orange keeper Eliza Bennett-Hattan on the Bulls first shot of the game off a pass from junior Amanda McCormick. The goal was the Ontario native's second of the season and McCormick's second helper on the season.
Pacheo's goal at 9:22 mark's the earliest the Bulls have scored this season. Previous to Pacheo's goal, the earliest goal was fellow freshman Chelsea Klotz's tally at 10:13 in the season opener against North Florida.
The 1-0 advantage is all the Bulls would need, as Lofton-Malachi continued her outstanding play in goal for the Bulls as she registered her eight shutout of the shutout of the season, which ties the USF record for most in a season.
Lofton-Malachi's five saves gives her 83 on the season, which is good for third most in a season in USF history.
The Bulls were outshot in the match but Lofton-Malachi and the Bulls defense would squash any type of offensive attack mounted by the Orange.
“It was a combined team effort defensively,” added Schilte-Brown. “Everyone contributed and that is what we want. I really feel like we are headed in the right direction.”
The Bulls improve to 7-3-3 overall and 3-2-1 in BIG EAST play. The Bulls three BIG EAST wins are tied for the most since joining the BIG EAST in 2005. With the loss, the Orange fall to 4-6-2 on the season and 1-3-1 record in BIG EAST.
The Bulls are 7-0-2 this season when they score first in games.
The Bulls will look for their third straight conference win on Sunday when they travel to Queens, N.Y. for a match-up with the St. John's Redstorm at Noon. The game will mark the last BIG EAST regular season road contest of the season for the Bulls, with the Cincinnati Bearcats coming USF Soccer Stadium on Friday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. and then the Bulls will welcome Louisville on Sunday, Oct. 19, at Noon.
