TAMPA (Sept. 29, 2016)— The USF women's soccer team dropped their first game of the year in a heartbreaking loss to SMU to open conference play. The Bulls are now 8-1-0 on the year and 0-1 in conference while the Mustangs are 7-3-0, 1-0.

The two teams were forced into an almost two-hour delay after rain hit Corbett Stadium just thirty minutes before kick.

The lone goal scored was in the first minute of the game on a header by Allie Thornton. USF goalkeeper Kat Elliott almost got a hand on the ball, but couldn't quite make the save.

The Bulls had their opportunities in the second half as Trudi Carter almost tied the game with a rocket of a shot on goal, but SMU keeper Catie Brown made the save.

Key Stat:

• USF outshot SMU 10-7 for the game, notching eight shots in the second half.

Notables:

•  Bulls are still off to one of the best starts in program history, despite the loss.
• The Bulls tallied eight shots in the second half.
• USF still maintains the 2-1-1 edge over SMU in the series history.
• USF has allowed just six goals on the season. 

 Up Next:
USF will host Houston Sunday, Oct. 2, at 1 p.m. for the annual pink game and alumni reunion.  

Be sure to follow USF women's soccer on social media (Twitter / Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. The USF women's soccer team has posted four consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins and five in the last six years under head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. The Bulls made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010 and returned in 2014 & 2015. USF returns 17 players from last year's roster, including All-American Athletic Conference second-team goalkeeper Kat Elliott and seniors Lotta Fennefoss, Jordyn Listro and Leticia Skeete. The Bulls also return 10 players who appeared in at least 15 or more games last season.

– #GoBulls –