TAMPA, Fla. (October 15, 2023) – The University of South Florida was back on the pitch at the friendly confines of Corbett Stadium for an American Athletic Conference matchup with SMU on Sunday.
Sadie Sider-Echenberg delivered the game-winning goal in the first half as the Bulls (8-5-1, 4-1-1 AAC) defeated the Mustangs (7-4-1, 3-2-1 AAC) with a 1-0 victory.
"One goal is all it takes," said Head Coach
Denise Schilte-Brown. "We're happy. It was a great goal. We're excited that Sadie showed that ability because she has that ability. We have a lot of ways that we can score, we're going to just keep opening up those doors."
SMU recorded the match's first shot on goal on a dangerous shot off the foot of Abby Dermott.
Leire Herraez Gallach stood her ground and came up with a huge save to keep the match scoreless.
Micahela Hill delivered a great pass to Sider-Echenberg. Sider-Echenberg ripped a shot from well outside the 18-yard box. While she was moving to her left, she blasted with her left foot to the far upper 90 for an outstanding goal.
The Bulls took a 1-0 lead into the half. USF held SMU to one shot on goal in the opening stanza. South Florida produced two shots on goal.
Herraez Gallach recorded two more saves in the second half to finish with four saves for the match. The USF backline held a high-power attack off the scoreboard for the second-straight contest. The South Florida defense gave up nine corner kicks but was stout and did not surrender a goal.
With the win, USF moved into the top spot in the AAC East standings and has a two-point lead.
Notable
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Sadie Sider-Echenberg recorded her first goal of the season and her career at South Florida.
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Leire Herraez Gallach produced her fourth clean sheet of the season and third consecutive.
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Micahela Hill dished out her second assist of the year.
· South Florida moves into first in the AAC East and is second in the conference with 13 points.
· USF held SMU to four shots on goal for the match. SMU came into the contest averaging 10.4 shots per match.
· USF improved to 9-2-1 against SMU.
Next Up
South Florida returns to action on Thursday, Oct. 19, for a road contest with Rice. The first touch is slated for 8 p.m. ET.
About South Florida 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 2023 season marks the 17th and final for head coach Denise Schilte-Brown at the helm of the Bulls. Schilte-Brown guided South Florida to the program's first-ever NCAA Tournament in 2010 and the Bulls have made eight total postseason appearances (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, and 2021) in the last 13 years. USF posted five consecutive seasons with a conference championship, winning the regular-season title in 2018, 2020, and 2021, while earning the tournament crown in 2017, 2019, and 2020. USF alum and Olympic Gold Medalist, Evelyne Viens, was selected fifth overall in the NWSL Draft by the Sky Blue FC, now Gotham FC. Viens was one of four Pro Bulls to participate in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
– #GoBulls –
