Two men’s soccer players receive AAC preseason team nominations
With the 2022 regular season beginning Thursday, two Bulls have been elected to the AAC Preseason All-Conference Team.
On the defensive end, Salvatore Mazzaferro is a junior center/left-back at USF who played a major role in locking down opponents. Mazzaferro is not new to receiving nominations, including All-AAC Second Team in 2020 and AAC All-Conference Second Team in 2021.
Mazzaferro provides a strong pillar on defense, leading the team in minutes played and logging at least 90 minutes in all but two games.
Leading the team in assists and finishing second in points, sophomore midfielder Shion Soga became a powerhouse when joining the team. Soga was named the conference Offensive Player of the Week in October after putting up his second three-point game of the season.
One of his memorable key plays during last season includes his overtime goal against conference rival Central Florida, making a huge contribution in the 4-3 victory.
After being elected to the 2021 AAC All-Conference First Team, he is expected to be an essential aid on the roster and play a valuable role.
South Florida is currently predicted to finish sixth in this year’s preseason coaches poll, trailing UCF and other talented programs like Tulsa and Southern Methodist.
USF will play their season opener Thursday against Florida Gulf Coast at 7 p.m. in Corbett Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and iHeartRadio Bulls Unlimited.
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