TAMPA (Nov. 14, 2015)— In a heartbreaking NCAA tournament game, the USF women's soccer team dropped a 2-1 decision to the FGCU Eagles Saturday afternoon at Corbett Stadium.
“I'll always remember the journey with these girls,” head coach Denise Schilte-Brown said. “Each year and each team is unique and this was an unforgettable season.”
The Bulls were appearing in their second straight NCAA tournament and third overall, all under Schilte-Brown. This was USF's second year to host at Corbett Stadium.
USF (15-4-3) wasted no time getting on the board, scoring on an FGCU own goal in the second minute. A Cristina Ferral corner kick was sent toward Jackie Simpson, but in an attempt to clear it, an Eagles defender sent the ball into the back of her own net.
FGCU (14-5-2), however, would strike right back. A foul in the box set up an FGCU penalty kick, taken by Shea Rhoney. Rhoney converted the PK, slipping the ball just inside the right side of the net to tie the game in the fourth minute.
In the 36th minute, FGCU took the lead on another penalty kick. Paulina Speckmaier converted the PK after another foul in the box.
Trudi Carter almost tied the match in the 43rd minute off an Olivia Chance corner kick. After settling the ball down, Carter launched a shot that just skimmed the outside of the net.
USF held a 12-7 shot advantage with a 5-3 shot on goal advantage in the first 45 minutes of play. The Bulls also took four corner kicks while not allowing the Eagles to take one.
In the 68th minute, USF rattled off three shots-on-goal in a row in an attempt to find the back of the net but two were deflected and the final attempt was sent high. In the 71st moment, Allie Rossi found the ball off a corner kick, but her shot was saved.
With four minutes left to play, Leticia Skeete broke free of the Eagles defenders and sent a left-footed shot just off the right post from close range. Chance was fouled just outside the 18-yard box with 44 seconds left on the clock, but the ensuing shot was blocked.
For the game, the Bulls dominated offensively, with a 22-11 shot advantage and 7-1 corner kick advantage. Sophomore keeper Kat Elliott made four saves, including two huge saves to keep it at just a one-goal differential.
The 2015 season was arguably one of the best seasons in program history. With 15 wins, the Bulls tied the record for wins in a season and the 7-1-1 non-conference record was the best under Schilte-Brown. USF outscored opponents 19-4 at Corbett this season and went undefeated at home in the regular season.
The USF women's soccer team has posted three consecutive 10-plus win seasons and four in the last five years under head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. The Bulls made their first NCAA tournament appearance in 2010 and returned in 2014. USF returns 20 players from last year's roster including All-American Athletic Conference first team midfielder Olivia Chance and second team defender Jackie Simpson. They also bring back 12 players that appeared in 15 or more games last season.
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