TAMPA, AUG. 19, 2017 – The University of South Florida men's soccer team took home the Rowdies Cup for the third straight year Saturday, defeating crosstown rival Tampa, 5-0. The Bulls turned in another exhibition shutout but the offense once again stole the show.
 
The final five minutes were the highlight of the annual match-up, as head coach Bob Butehorn's philosophy of "play fast" was on full display. USF scored three goals in three minutes, sealing a 5-0 victory. Junior transfer Tomasz Skublak (Hamilton, Ontario, Canada) sparked the 3-0 run in the 85^th minute on header off a perfect cross from Stephen Rudderham (Tampa, Fla.). Rudderham followed his assist with his own goal when he scored on a run up the left side in the 87^th minute. 26 seconds later Skublak scored his second goal of the night on a cross from Avionne Flanagan (Baltimore, Md.).
 
The Bulls' defense stifled Tampa, limiting the Spartans to just four shots in the final 45 minutes. Christian Knight (Odessa, Fla.) and Harrison Devenish-Meares (Sydney, New South Wales, Australia) split time in goal, each playing 45 minutes. Knight made four saves while Devenish-Meares added one.  
 
Ricardo Gomez (Gainesville, Ga.) and Adrian Billhardt (Berlin, Germany) each added a goal while Gonzalo Rodriguez (Coustituciou, Chile) and Kori Cupid (Chaguanas, Trinidad) each tallied an assist.
 
QUOTABLES:
Head coach Bob Butehorn on tonight's match vs. his alma mater :
"First and foremost, I'm really happy for the guys. I would be lying to you if I didn't have mixed emotions because that's my place. That's where I did my time, I cut my teeth. I'm glad. I'm glad the way they responded, I'm glad the way they played. We had a lot of contributions from a lot of different guys. Look, it's a long road, but we're excited tonight."
 
KEY STATS:
4 - The Bulls scored four goals in the second half, the final three in the last five minutes of the match.
9 – USF outshot Tampa 9-4 in the second half.
 
NOTABLES: 

• USF scored five goals against the Spartans for the first time since 2005, when the Mayors Cup transitioned into the Rowdies Cup.
• The Rowdies Cup was presented by former Rowdies player, Tampa alum and current USF volunteer assistant, Ryan Thompson.
• Prior to Saturday's match alumni from USF and Tampa squared off in the first ever Rowdies Cup alumni match. USF won 3-2.

UP NEXT:
The Bulls have one final preseason exhibition prior to the season opener Aug. 28. USF will host Nova Southeastern Thursday, Aug. 24 at 7 p.m.  
Follow the men's soccer team on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram) and visit GoUSFBulls.com for the most up-to-date information.
 
– #GoBulls –