TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Nov. 16, 2018 – USF women's soccer took a 1-0 lead in the first half before its historic season ended with a 3-1 loss at top-seeded FSU in the second round of the NCAA tournament on Friday.
 
No. 20/13 USF (15-4-0) made its third NCAA second-round appearance after setting a school record with five goals in a first-round victory over Albany at Corbett Stadium. The American Athletic Conference regular season champion Bulls were seeking their first-ever trip to the Sweet 16.
 
In the 35^th minute, the No. 20/13 Bulls took the lead when junior Aubrey Megath (West Palm Beach, Fla.) scored from the top, left side of the 18-yard box. Defender Sabrina Wagner (New Port Ritchey, Fla.) made her way down the right wing and sent a pass to midfielder Katie Kitching (Bedale, England), who was able to beat a pair of defenders and get the ball to Megrath. She took a hard shot, the ball nicked a defender and rolled in to put the Bulls up, 1-0.
 
Six minutes later, the No. 5/4 Seminoles found the back of the net when they crossed into the box and senior Dallas Dorosey (Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.) took one quick touch to send the ball in. The Noles added a goal in the 63^rd minute when midfielder Yujie Zhao (Shanghai, China) shot from inside the 6-yard box. Freshman keeper Sydney Martinez made the save, but Zhao was able to punch in the rebound for a 2-1 lead. FSU added an insurance goal that would seal the Bulls' fate in the 86^th minute.
 
The Bulls played proudly with sophomore Chyanne Dennis (Sunrise, Fla.) making crucial stops in the 18-yard box. Martinez faced 17 shots and made five saves.
 
 
Quotable
Head coach Denise Schilte-Brown on the loss:
"The game is over and we're really disappointed, we wanted to advance. I'm proud of this team and the season we've had. It was a special Florida State team and they showed it tonight, and I wish them the best of luck moving forward."
 
Schilte-Brown on the biggest takeaway from the season:
"I'm really proud of the style of play that we perform with, the way that we play soccer and I love the growth of the program. I would be remised not to say that I take away the heart of the seniors this year. Most of them didn't even step on the field today and I would say that they were such a blessing to us. They made the journey so enjoyable. It's an unforgettable season for us. Being cut short stinks, but the memories, they're forever."
 
Notable

• USF broke FSU's 13-match home shutout streak in NCAA tournament play
• USF has now scored 16 NCAA tournament goals
• The Bulls are 3-5-0 in NCAA tournament play

 
About USF Women's Soccer
Be sure to follow USF women's soccer on social media (Twitter / Instagram/Facebook) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information. 
 
The USF women's soccer team has posted six consecutive seasons of 10-plus wins and eight in the last nine years under head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. The Bulls made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010 and returned in 2014, 2015 and 2017.