USF shuts out first opponent of the season
After a four-game losing streak, USF men’s soccer not only scored its first goal of the season, but won its first match on Friday against Mercer in a 2-0 shutout.
Throughout the match, the Bulls (1-3-1) dominated the Bears (2-1-2) in shots, corner kicks and fouls, showing improvement from their 3-0 loss against Washington on Sept. 6.
In the first half, USF took possession of the ball 65% of the half while generating five shots.
One of those shots came from junior midfielder Ajmeer Spengler, who at the 13th minute sent the ball to the back of the net to put the Bulls at a 1-0 lead.
Along with Spengler’s goal came a sigh of relief to the program, who had been unable to score a goal yet this season.
“It was a good weight off the shoulders. It let everyone play a little more freely. Try new things, take more risks in the attacking third which is something we really needed to work on. It led to a lot of quality chances and another goal,” Spengler said.
Heading into the second half, the Bulls were looking to add on some extra insurance for their first victory of the season.
With a strong momentum continuing throughout the game, freshman forward Alex Sannes scored at 81st minute, doubling USF’s lead.
With USF accumulating 16 shots while Mercer only grabbed seven, the Bulls’ first shutout showed the assertiveness they have been attempting to tap into all season.
Coach Bob Butehorn believes this match will allow them to set up for their upcoming conference campaign.
“Honestly, training after a win is so much better, it’s so much more fun. I think that’s going to be the juice we need to get going. For us right now we’re focusing on us and making sure we sharpen our game and get ready for FAU,” Butehorn said.
South Florida will open conference play against Florida Atlantic on Sept. 16 at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on ESPN+ and Bulls Unlimited.
More Stories
USF campus ministers offer perspective on stadium development: ‘Exciting benefit of exposure.’
Take a tranquil stroll down Sycamore Drive. It’s a quieter part of campus, hidden away from the usual hustle and bustle of USF. It’s home to an area colloquially known as “Religious Row,” a collection of on-campus religious organizations. In just a few years – with the construction of an on-campus football stadium – the […]
Here’s why these USF softball players chose their jersey numbers
For athletes, the number they wear is more than the added fabric on the back of their jersey. It often tells a deeper story about the players — who they are and where they come from. Here’s why these three USF softball players chose their respective jersey numbers. Related: USF softball is gaining momentum during […]
USF football head coach Alex Golesh: The man behind the process
Football coach Alex Golesh said USF has been on his mind since his own days as a college student when the program was top five in the country. “I distinctly remember sitting there watching it and thinking ‘What is S Florida and what are they doing in the top five in the country?’” Golesh said. […]
USF baseball matches last season’s wins at midseason
USF baseball has reached its midseason, powering through a turnaround year. Despite losing to Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday 7-5, It has already won 21 games, matching the same total from last season with a road victory against Tulane on Sunday. The Bulls (21-16, 7-5 AAC) stand third out of 10 teams in the conference. […]
USF men’s basketball was gutted by the transfer portal. Here’s who remains on the roster.
Things move pretty quickly in this new world of college basketball thanks in large part to the explosion of the transfer portal. Less than a month removed from a second round exit in the National Invitation Tournament, USF men’s basketball looks a lot different than it did in mid-March. In the span of a […]
USF softball is gaining momentum during season’s final stretch
As the USF softball season draws to a close, it seems the team has found some momentum. The Bulls (30-16, 9-9 AAC) have won six of its last seven games. In the last nine days, they have won their last two conference series and stunned the then-ranked No.9 Florida Gators on Wednesday. USF had yet […]