By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA – The aggressive No. 11 Bulls took care of business early in front of the TV cameras Wednesday night.
The USF men's soccer team scored twice in the first 28 minutes and then played lockdown defense in a 2-0 victory over DePaul that was broadcast live on the Bright House Sports Network.
The Bulls (8-2-2, 3-0-1 in Big East) kept a firm hold on their Red Division lead and won for the fifth time in the past six games (one tie).
"To get a shutout in the Big East and to win by more than one is always good," head coach George Kiefer said. "If you look at Big East games, that doesn't happen too often."
The USF offense gave DePaul fits shortly after the cameras got rolling.
"A lot of people back home, a lot of friends, were cheering tonight, so it's good," Charpie said.
USF struck again in the 28th minute on another nice series. Aubrey Perry hit a cross into the box and Big East Offensive Player of the Week Dom Dywer headed in his 11th goal of the season.
"Coach has been on us to come out quick and get the other team. Today it was there and we came out with two early goals," said Dwyer, who has scored in three consecutive contests.
The Bulls had good looks at the net in the second half and almost added a third goal when Morten Benestad's strike from 30 yards out hit the post.
"I was really pleased with our approach," he said. "If you are a very good team, you are going to keep on the gas pedal and keep going after them."
DePaul (4-7-2, 1-2-1) got after USF in the second half, but keeper Chris Blais came through with a few diving saves to preserve the shutout.
"Blais is clutch," Dwyer said. "They'll have a shot and if I know it's not hard I can already jog back because I know he's going to have it in his hands."
USF looks to keep rolling on the road Saturday when it plays at Syracuse at 7 p.m.
