By Cursten Taylor

TAMPA – The 22nd-ranked USF men's soccer team began its defense of the Big East Red Division with a 1-0 overtime win Saturday night at home against Providence.  

Roberto Alterio scored the game-winning goal at 3:22 of the overtime period. Lesten Paul recorded the assist on Alterio's third goal of the year.

“We just tried to keep attacking,” Alterio said.

Head coach George Kiefer was pleased with the victory and the team's effort throughout the match.

“I was pleased that we stuck with it for the win,” Kiefer said

The Bulls controlled the ball for most of the first half but were unable to find the back of the net. 

The match was a defensive struggle in the first half as both teams had four total shots and two shots on goal.

Samuel Hosseini and Lucas Baldwin each had shots on goal late in the half but were unable to score.

The Bulls were very aggressive in the second half, dominating on the attack with five shots on goal in the extra period.

USF made a last attempt to score at the end of regulation but Kevin Olali's shot was wide of the net.  The Bulls finished with a 15-5 advantage in total shots taken and a 5-2 edge in shots on goal.

The Bulls will face Florida Gulf Coast University Tuesday Sept. 25 at 7:30 p.m. at Corbett Soccer Stadium.