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TAMPA, NOV. 1, 2014 – The USF men's soccer team started the night off on a high note as nine Bulls were honored on Senior Night in front of 1,092 fans at Corbett Stadium.
Unfortunately for No. 25 USF (9-7-1, 4-3-1 American) they were unable to deliver a victory, falling to UConn 1-0 in the final game of the regular season on a chilly Saturday night.
The Bulls had the better of the chances in the first half, outshooting the Huskies (9-6-1, 6-1-1 American) 7-1 in the opening 45 minutes.
“I thought the guys played well and I think we created three or four really good chances and I told my guys I was pleased with how they played,” head coach George Kiefer said.
Senior forward Tyler Blackwood had a great opportunity to put the Bulls up in the 28th minute after taking a great pass from fellow senior Edwin Moalosi in the box, but UConn goalkeeper Scott Levene came out to make a great diving save.
Just minutes later the Huskies scored the game's only goal on a counter attack after a USF corner kick. Nicholas Zuniga sent a long pass down the sideline for Kwame Awuah who then crossed the ball to Ethan Vanacore-Decker just outside the top of the box. Vanacore-Decker then drove a perfectly placed shot past an outstretched Spasoje Stefanovic into the lower left corner to give UConn a 1-0 lead.
USF controlled the ball for most of the second half as well but couldn't find a way break through the Huskies' defense.
Lindo Mfeka had the best chance of the half with under a minute left but his shot ricocheted off a defender just before going into the net and UConn held on for the 1-0 victory.
“Any game against UConn is a tough game,” senior midfielder Lucas Baldin said. “UConn is a top team but we felt like we played very good.”
The Bulls played another solid game defensively, holding the Huskies to only three total shots with two of them on goal.
Postseason play is next for USF as they host an American Athletic Conference quarterfinal match next Saturday, Nov. 8 at 7 p.m.
“It's always great to play here at home in front of our fans. It's a great feeling,” Baldin said.
Follow the men's soccer team on social media (Twitter / Facebook / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
The men's soccer program has been one of the most successful teams on campus over the years, making it to seven straight NCAA tournaments and eight of the last nine. They won the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship last season and Head Coach George Kiefer has also led the Bulls to two Elite Eight appearances and four conference titles in his 12 seasons as head coach. Purchase season and single-game tickets HERE.
- #GoBulls -
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