ORACLE FILE PHOTO/ADAM MATHIEU

USF needed only one goal to earn its 22nd all-time win against UCF. The Bulls’ lone goal was their fourth goal off of a corner kick this season.

Freshman midfielder Eduardo Maceira scored his third goal of the season by heading in a corner kick that was sent by senior midfielder Lucas Baldin. Baldin recorded his ninth assist of the season, ranking him tied for second in the nation for total assists.

As Baldin sent the kick in, Maceira beat his defender in the air to head it toward UCF goalkeeper Zach Biggs’ right post and put it in the back of the net.

Corner kicks have been a useful goal-scoring strategy for the Bulls, with three different players scoring off corner kicks. Baldin has recorded four of his nine assists off corner kicks.

USF goalkeeper Spasoje Stefanovic and the defense recorded their sixth shutout of the season, with Stefanovic making three saves in the game. UCF goalkeeper Zach Biggs had a more active night, with seven saves in the game. 

With this conference win, USF is now in first place in the AAC due to SMU’s 1-0 loss to Tulsa. The Bulls have two conference games left to play, both taking place at Corbett Stadium.

USF will return to Corbett Stadium to play the Memphis Tigers (7-6-2, 1-4-1). Memphis is recently coming off of a 2-1 loss to the Cincinnati Bearcats, who USF beat 3-1 this season. 

USF will play Memphis at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at Corbett Stadium.