BLACKSBURG, Va., SEPT. 2, 2016 – The University of South Florida men's soccer team faced a big road test Friday night in Blacksburg, Va. and ultimately fell to Virginia Tech 4-1. Both teams are receiving votes in the NSCAA polls, and the Hokies offense proved to be too much in USF's first road match of the season.
The Bulls (0-1-2) jumped to a quick 1-0 lead in the second minute of action when freshman Luis Garza (El Paso, Texas) scored his first career goal on a breakaway. He pushed passed Virginia Tech's goalie and found an open net.
The Hokies responded with a full offensive attack in its home opener, taking 16 shots on the night. The Bulls conceded goals in the 24th, 34th, and 52nd minutes from Marcelo Acuna and final goal by Burke Bender in the 74th minute.
Senior goalkeeper Spasoje Stefanovic (Belgrade, Serbia) made two saves in the final 45.
Key Stat:
The Hokies outshot USF 17-2.
Notables:
Luis Garza's goal was the first collegiate goal of his young career.
Up Next:
USF continues its two-game road swing Monday at No. 7 Maryland. The 7 p.m. match-up will air on the BTN Plus network.
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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– #GoBulls –
