University of South Florida
Louisville
Patterson Leads Bulls to 1-0 Win on Think Pink Night
October 16, 2010 | Women's Soccer
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TAMPA - Wearing pink Under Armour jersey's in support of the Susan G. Komen Foundation Fund, sophomore Taylor Patterson's goal in the 55th minute was all the University of South Florida women's soccer team would need as the Bulls downed BIG EAST rival Louisville, 1-0, on Friday night at the USF Soccer Stadium.
Just over nine and a half minutes into the second half, Patterson took a feed from junior Venicia Reed at the near post just outside the 8-yard box and beat Louisville keeper Taylor Vancil to the far post to give the Bulls a 1-0 lead.
The goal was the fourth of the season for Patterson and what would turn out to be her second game-winner of the season.
For Reed the assist was her team-leading fifth of the season. She is tied with junior Valorie O'Brien, who was awarded the second assist on the same scoring effort, for the team lead.
Despite constant pressure from the Louisville attack for the remainder of the match, USF relied on their steady backline of Boo Eagle, Molly Stack, Angelique Waller and keepr Nicole McClure to weather the attack and preserve the lead.
Bulls head coach Denise Schilte-Brown substituted frequently throughout the remainder of the match to keep fresh legs on the field for the Bulls.
Louisville's last chance and most best chance of the half came with 13 seconds remaining in the game off a free kick from 30 yards out but the Bulls were able to withstand the attempt without the Cardinals taking a shot.
For the match, USF outshot the Cardinals, 18-13, and held a 7-4 advantage in shots on goal. Corner kicks were evening on the match at three apiece.
The Bulls and Cardinals would play a scoreless first half but there was plenty of action. Both teams were aggressive offensively with the two teams combining for 18 total shots with seven of them being on goal.
The Bulls best opportunity of the half was a pair of sequential shots in the 21st minute as Patterson sent a rocket which was saved by Vancil but she could not gain control the loose ball. Junior Chelsea Klotz corralled the ball 10 yards out with an open net but her shot was just high.
Goalkeeper Nicole McClure was impressive in goal for the Bulls stopping all four Cardinal shots on goal. The shutout is the fifth of the season for McClure.
The match was physical throughout with the two teams combining for 12 fouls with four yellows being assessed.
The Bulls will take the pitch once again on Sunday when Cincinnati comes to Tampa on Sunday. The Bearcats played at Marquette on Friday night. Game time set for 1 p.m.
