Coach Chris Brown mourned the USF women’s soccer team’s loss in the final game of the 2024 season. 

The season ended in a 5-3 shootout loss to East Carolina on Nov. 7 in the American Athletic Conference tournament semifinals after a dramatic 1-1 draw in regular time. 

East Carolina went on to clinch the conference tournament title.

It was a disappointing cap to Brown’s first season at the helm, but the team showed resilience and tactical finesse under his new leadership.

“The string of results and shutouts, and just I mean, the list goes on and on and it’s just a shame,” Brown said. “I really do believe that we are an NCAA tournament team.”

The team only lost two games this season, four less than in the 2023 season. They conceded 10 goals in 2024, half the amount they conceded in the 2023 season. 

The Bulls also demonstrated their defensive strength, recording 12 shootouts in 19 matches during the season. 

The team is ranked No. 9 nationally, together with NCAA tournament seed No. 2 Arkansas, on teams with highest shoutout per games in the NCAA. 

The season began with a challenging match against then-No. 1 ranked Florida State, resulting in a 5-0 loss at home on Aug. 3. 

However, the Bulls quickly rebounded, securing decisive victories 5-1 against Jacksonville and 5-0 against Southern 

The team maintained a home record of 9-2 and remained unbeaten in away games, with a 2-0-4 record.

Related: USF women’s soccer beats UCF on I-4 War – The Oracle

A key highlight of the season was a thrilling 1-0 victory over UCF in a “War on I-4” rivalry match. It was the first time the Bulls beat the Knights in three years in women’s soccer matches.

Brown said he appreciates the effort and performance of the team throughout the season.

“I couldn’t be prouder of this group and just really thankful to have this to be the group that I started my head coaching career,” Brown said. 

The Bulls’ strategic play and improved performance metrics were evident throughout the season. 

They were ranked 22nd in the NCAA for shots per game, averaging 17.95. They also experienced a historic scoring surge early in the season, netting four or more goals in three consecutive games for the first time since 2010. 

Related: ​​USF women’s soccer finding success in the midst of change – The Oracle

Two players from the team received major all-conference honors. 

Junior goalkeeper Leire Herraez Gallach was named AAC Goalkeper of the Year and junior midfielder Sadie Sider-Echenberg was named AAC Midfielder of the Year. 

At the same time, seven USF players earned spots on all-conference teams. Senior defender Georgia Brown joined Herraez Gallach and Sider-Echenberg on all-conference first-team honors. 

Reflecting on the season’s end, Brown expressed his mixed emotions, especially about the seniors. 

“I’m really proud of this group,” Brown said. “I’m very disappointed for that senior class because they’ve been so impactful.

Despite some lows throughout the season, the USF women’s soccer team ran a successful campaign, making it to the AAC tournament semifinals. Last year, the team was eliminated in the first rounds. 

Grade: A