Bulls earn split on the road

It could have been worse for the USF women’s soccer team (7-3-2), which bounced back from a 3-1 loss Friday at No. 22 Georgetown (9-3-0) to top Villanova (6-7-0) 1-0 on the road Sunday.

Junior goalkeeper Nicole McClure posted her third shutout in four games.

“Well, Nicole sat all of last year on the bench behind Mallori (Lofton-Malachi),” said coach Denise Schilte-Brown, “and that is not an easy thing to do. This year, she is really working hard and improving every game.”

Despite getting outshot 12-5, the Bulls scored when sophomore midfielder Taylor Patterson drilled a strike from 30 yards out in the 25th minute for the lone goal of the match.

After picking up the early lead, USF was able to preserve the victory, unlike the previous match, because of a strong defense and physical mentality.

“I think that is a good trait of ours,” Schilte-Brown said. “Something we have been able to do all season is recoup after a loss.”