TAMPA, AUG. 31, 2014 – The USF women's soccer team has found its elusive first win, thanks to an offensive that couldn't be stopped and a defense that couldn't be penetrated.

The Bulls (1-2-1) defeated the FGCU Eagles (2-1-0) 1-0 Sunday night at Corbett Stadium in front of a crowd of just over 600 fans.

“I thought we put together a very complete game,” head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said. “I thought we shut down their scoring opportunities and the plan worked well. The girls did a great job of just playing. I'm really proud of the defensive unit.”

The Bulls stuck first just after halftime when sophomore Leticia Skeete pounded a goal past FGCU goalkeeper Brittany Brown, giving USF the lead they would maintain throughout the match.

“We're making our attacking players more dangerous every day,” Schilte-Brown said. “That's one of the things we're really keying in on.”

USF controlled the momentum of the game from the very beginning and seemingly never let up, outshooting the Eagles 15-4 overall.

The Bulls had their first chance at a goal after a handball by FGCU allowed for a USF free kick. A tangled web of players in the box resulted in multiple Bulls getting a touch, but it was Skeete who ultimately sent the ball towards the net. FGCU goalkeeper Brittany Brown made the save to keep USF from taking an early lead.

In the 34th minute, USF once again had an almost golden opportunity to score. Junior Olivia Chance found herself in prime scoring position but had the shot blocked by Brown. Senior Lauriell Young gained control of the ball and took a beautiful shot from just ten yards out, but was denied by the goalkeeper.

With five minutes left in the half, Chance and freshman Kelly Harris each got a touch and a chance for a shot on goal. Both sent their shots wide, keeping the game scoreless as time expired.

The Bulls found the back of the net once more late in the second half after a Demi Stokes corner kick resulted in a Sarah Miller header. However, a foul was called on the team and the goal erased, keeping USF with only a one goal lead.

A scuffle towards the end of the match looked like it would create an opportunity for the Eagles to score, but the USF defense of Jackie Simpson, Alexis Rossi and Jordyn Listro held up to hold FGCU scoreless.

The shutout is the first of the season for USF and the first of freshman goalkeeper Thordis Aikman's career.

Next up for the Bulls is a trip to Murfreesboro, Tenn. for the Blue Raider Classic. USF will face host Middle Tennessee State on Friday, Sept. 5, at 8:00 p.m. and Kennesaw State on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 2:00 p.m.

Follow @USFSoccer on Twitter for more information about the women's soccer program.

The USF women's soccer team has posted two consecutive 10-plus win seasons and three in the last four years under head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. The Bulls made their first NCAA tournament appearance and recorded their first tournament victory in 2010. USF returns 23 players from last year's roster including All-American Athletic Conference second team forward Demi Stokes and All-Rookie Team defender Leticia Skeete. They also bring back 11 players that appeared in 15 or more games last season.

- #GoBulls -