By TOM ZEBOLD
USF Senior Writer
TAMPA - The immense success of last season has USF men's soccer fans anxious for another run and they'll get quite a treat right out of the gates.
The nation will be watching when the No. 5 Bulls host Michigan 7 p.m. Friday in their season opener at Corbett Soccer Stadium. The game will be televised on Fox Soccer Channel with fans across the country interested in seeing what USF can do after booking a trip to the Elite Eight last season.
"I think it's a great opportunity for the program, for the players and everybody involved," USF head coach George Kiefer said. "It's a very good opponent to open up with. I think it has allowed our preseason to be highly motivating because we know we get right out of the gate with a fun opponent."
Kiefer knows USF certainly can't get the job done by itself and said strong support can go a long way in helping to put a 'W' on the board the first time out. More than 18,000 came out to watch the Bulls in the first season of action at Corbett Soccer Stadium last year and the team rewarded its fans by going 8-2-2 on its home turf.
"I feel very good that this place will be packed. When Corbett is packed it's not just the numbers that are impressive, it's how close they are and how much impact they can have on the game," Kiefer said. "Clearly the game is played at a faster pace and guys have more energy. Other teams have more stress and goalkeepers from the other team can feel the students behind them. They know one little mistake and they're going to be all over them."
Fans can watch all of USF's home games during its 2012 campaign by purchasing tickets HERE or by calling 1-800-GoBulls. Single game tickets for Friday are $6 for adults. The event is free for kids and students also get in for free with a valid student ID.
