FORT MYERS, OCT. 11, 2016 – If you blinked, you missed a goal Tuesday night in the Bulls' 3-2 loss at No. 12 FGCU. Four goals between both teams were scored within five minutes of each other but USF's comeback fell short at FGCU Soccer Complex.
The Bulls (5-6-2) jumped to an early 1-0 lead in the 27th minute. Lindo Mfeka (Durban, South Africa) scored an unassisted goal on an open net. The Eagles (9-2-1) attempted a clear and sent the ball directly to Mfeka.
USF held the nation's top scoring team scoreless for 65 minutes, but in the 66th minute, the Eagles rattled of two goals. With a 2-1 lead, the momentum remained with FGCU and Shak Adams put the Eagles up 3-1 in the 69th minute.
Melvin Becket (Melbourne, Australia) mounted a USF comeback, scoring two minutes later in the 71st minute. Ricardo Gomez (Gainesville, Ga) broke free in the midfield and found Becket who placed it in the right side of the net.
Spasoje Stefanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) made three saves in 90 minutes. FGCU outshot USF 14-9, 9-4 in the second half.
Key Stat:
The Bulls held the nation's top scoring team to three goals, FGCU's lowest score since its 3-1 win against UCF Sept. 14. The Eagles average 3.18 goals per game this season, but have averaged over four goals per game in the past six outings.
Notables:
Becket's goal was his second of the season, and the senior has now scored a goal in back-to-back games. Three other player this season (Luis Garza, Mfeka, Nazeem Bartman) have scored goals in back-to-back games.
Mfeka's goal is his third of the season. The senior continues to lead the team in goals (3), assists (4) and points (10) this season.
Up Next:
USF (2-1-0 The American) travels to UConn Oct. 15 for crucial road conference match-up. The game is slated for 7 p.m. at Morrone Stadium in Storrs. The Huskies are a perfect 3-0 in conference action.
The Bulls have reached the NCAA Tournament in nine of the last 11 years, including an 11-6-3 record and a second round NCAA appearance last season. Head coach George Kiefer was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) East Region Coach of the Year. Kiefer led USF to its eighth NCAA tournament appearance in the past nine years and earned the No. 2 ranking in the NSCAA East Region. The Bulls posted double-digit wins for the ninth time under Kiefer in 14 seasons and went undefeated at home during the regular season.
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