By SEAN BAROWS

GoUSFBulls.com

TAMPA – After being outshot by Texas and Clemson earlier this season, creating more chances in the final third was the top priority for the USF women's soccer team during practice this week.

The Bulls (3-0-2) did just that in their 1-0 win over Middle Tennessee State (0-2-2) on Friday night at Corbett Stadium.

“We had over 30 opportunities in the final third, so that's step one. We're getting there,” head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said after the game. “The next step is being more clinical in that final third and keeping the ball for longer stretches of time.”

Sophomore midfielder Olivia Chance put the Bulls on top in the 43^rd minute with a perfect finish over MTSU goalkeeper Kelsey Brouwer. It was Chance's team-leading third goal of the year and Daniela Andrade picked up an assist on the play for her first point this season.

“When the chance came we took it and I made the run and it popped up for me and I just (wanted) to make sure I didn't put it over the goal,” said Chance on the goal.

USF outshot the Blue Raiders 17-5 on the night with eight shots on goal, including a couple of near misses.

Junior midfielder Sarah Miller had a great chance in the 36^th minute but hit the post and had her follow up shot blocked by Brouwer.

The Bulls hit the woodwork again in the 57^th minute when Sharla Passariello rang one off the crossbar from about 10 yards out.

It wasn't just the offense that was clicking for USF on the night, as the defense was able to shut down the Blue Raider attack for much of the game.

“I thought that the backs played really well. Cara Patterson has been a rock for us back there. I love to see Tiane (Christiane Endler) coming into her own again,” Schilte-Brown said.

USF held MTSU to five total shots and only two on goal while posting their second shutout in a row and third this season.

The Bulls return to action 6 p.m. Sunday against North Florida at Corbett Stadium.