TAMPA, AUG. 29, 2016 – Monday night's match between the University of South Florida men's soccer team and American University was an offensive battle as the pair combined for 35 shots including 12 shots on goal which led to a 1-1 draw after 110 minutes of action at Corbett Stadium.
Senior goal keeper Spasoje Stefanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) turned in a career night with nine saves in a full 110 minutes in goal. Stefanovic had a big first half, but was crucial in the final 10 minutes of the match, making two saves. The Serbian faced 24 shots by the Eagles, and only allowed in one goal.
American senior Joe Iraola put the Eagles on the board in 24th minute, breaking away from the USF defense and at 18 yards found the back of the net off a left footed shot.
After the break, USF outshot American 8-7 and tied the match 1-1 in the 61st minute. The Bulls got their first goal of 2016 on a penalty kick taken by Michael Bajza (Tampa, Fla). Bajza easily put it in the bottom right corner and shifted the momentum in USF's favor.
The two teams battled for the final 49 minutes, and Stefanovic saved everything that came near him, including back-to-back saves in the final overtime period.
Quotables:
"Whether I'm on the field or off, it's my job to help my team win,” said Stefanovic. It's not about the saves I make, it's about the team. I give them all the credit. We showed a lot of character, I'm proud of how we battled"
Key Stat:
USF had nine saves from its senior goal keep, while American's Lucas Belanger only made one save in the second period.
Notables:
In his first start of 2016, Stefanovic recorded nine saves, tying his career mark set on Sept. 14, 2015 against North Florida.
Bajza scored his first goal at USF, his eighth career goal.
Up Next:
USF hits the road for a two-game swing, traveling to Virginia Tech Friday Sept. 2 for a 7 p.m. night cap. The Bulls will continue on to No. 4 Maryland for a holiday match on Monday, Sept. 5.
The Bulls ended the 2015 campaign in the second round of the NCAA Tournament and an 11-6-3 overall record (5-1-2 The American). 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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