USF aggressively earns third straight win

Days after earning their second straight victory against Middle Tennessee State on Friday night, the USF women’s soccer team continued their winning streak Sunday night against North Florida at Corbett Soccer Stadium.

In similar fashion to Friday night, the Bulls (4-0-2) delivered the Ospreys (1-4-1) their fourth loss of the season with a 1-0 victory in what coach Denise Schilte-Brown called an emotional game.

“At times, it was hard-fought,” Schilte-Brown said. “There was a lot of caring for each other. They really have each other’s back. A little bit too emotional than what we would like. I like to stay task focus and a little calmer.”

She said circumstances throughout the game caused them to be up and down, becoming more physical than tactical at times because of exterior factors.

“Sometimes different momentum can change in a game,” Schilte-Brown said. “Perhaps, the other team wins a big tackle or gets one shot off and they get excited and emotional and your team responds in a way that isn’t positive. I felt like at times tonight we did that. We focused on things that weren’t going to help us win.”

The Bulls committed 11 fouls, eight of which came in the second half, compared to the Ospreys’ 12, including a yellow card.

Senior forward Sharla Passariello led the Bulls with four shots, along with one shot on goal. She scored the only goal of the game, her second of the season, when she blew by UNF keeper Megan Dorsey after receiving a pass from junior midfielder Sarah Miller, who was credited with the assist.

“She took my shins out and I tried to slide it past her,” Passariello said.

The Bulls opened the first half aggressively, attempting nine shots, along with their defense, holding the Ospreys to only two shots.

Similar to the first half, the Bulls continued their attack, but couldn’t capitalize on opportunities to add more points, attempting six shots, including a shot by Passariello that went wide left, as well as Olivia Chance’s attempt going in the same direction.

UNF had a chance to score when Bri Swift passed the Bulls’ defense and attempted to score, but her shot was blocked by USF sophomore goalkeeper Christiane Endler.

Schilte-Brown wasn’t concerned with the missed opportunities.

“I’m not concerned about not scoring goals. I think that there’s a lot that goes into it,” Schilte-Brown said. “It’s the process of getting there.”

The Bulls are back on the road in Columbia, S.C., against South Carolina on Thursday before returning home Sunday night against No.8 University of Florida.