Bulls bounce back in win over Cincinnati

Senior forward Edwin Moalosi led the Bulls with two assists Saturday in Cincinnati. ORACLE FILE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

After giving up a goal as a result of a failed clearance, the Bulls responded with three goals to seal a 3-1 win, their seventh of the season.

USF (7-4, 3-1) dominated in possession and shots taken, with five compared to Cincinnati’s one, in the first half, but neither team could score a goal.

Cincinnati goalkeeper Alex Gill was forced to make four saves in the first half, completely denying the Bulls any opportunity to take the lead early.

With six minutes played in the second half, USF sophomore midfielder Graham Smith attempted to clear the ball from USF’s box, but a weak clearance allowed Cincinnati midfielder Ashani Walker to gain possession. A quick look was all Walker needed as he kicked it low to the left past USF goalkeeper Spasoje Stefanovic.

 The Bulls responded six minutes later with a corner from senior midfielder Lucas Baldin. Senior Nikola Paunic slotted the ball to the back of the net after freshman midfielder Eduardo Maceira’s shot was deflected toward him. Both Baldin and Maceira were awarded the assist.

Sophomore Lindo Mfeka scored the next two goals to seal the game in USF’s favor. The first goal came off a quick pass inside the box from senior midfielder Edwin Moalosi. Mfeka shot over the goalkeeper to give the Bulls the lead.

The next goal came off a counterattack as Moalosi gave a quick pass to Mfeka, which he shot to the lower left of Cincinnati’s goalkeeper. Moalosi was given the assist for both goals.

USF will return to Tampa to face Denver University (7-4-1) this Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. in Corbett Stadium.