Men’s soccer shutout first time in season

The men’s soccer team’s usually potent offense was held scoreless for the first time this season.

The No. 9 Bulls were dealt a 1-0 loss by Louisville on Saturday.

USF saw its record slide to 7-2-1 overall and 2-2-1 in the conference.

“We played as good as we can play tonight,” coach George Kiefer said. “I have to take my hat off to Louisville.”

Bulls defender Andre Mittoo was sent off with a red card early in the second half after a hard tackle. Going down to 10 players heavily shifted the momentum in the Cardinals’ favor.

“The red card changed the game,” Kiefer said. “I didn’t have a good angle on it, but I was shocked to see it become a red card.”

In the 69th minute, Louisville capitalized on the advantage. Forward Marco Terminesi went unassisted in a one-on-one with USF goalkeeper Diego Restrepo. The senior was able to put it past Restrepo and give the Cardinals a 1-0 lead.

Despite the Bulls’ best efforts in the second half, when the team got off three of its five shots on goal, USF still couldn’t score.

It was the Cardinals’ fourth win over USF in 18 previous matches.

“After the red card I thought we mounted some good attacks and fought to the end,” Kiefer said.

With the loss, the Cardinals moved ahead of USF in the Red Division standings. The Bulls are now fifth in the division.

Saturday’s match brings Kiefer and the Bulls one step closer to completing their longest stint away from home. It was the third of four road contests for USF, which boasts a 3-1 record at home.