The University of South Florida women’s soccer team and Tulsa played to a 0-0 draw Sunday, Oct. 25, at Hurricane Soccer and Track Stadium in Tulsa, Okla. South Florida entered the American matchup with a 3-8-4 overall record and a 1-4-3 conference record, while Tulsa entered at 6-7-4 overall and 1-4-3 in conference play. The result gave South Florida a point on the road as it continued pursuing a place in the American Conference Tournament.
South Florida recorded nine shots, including five on goal, while Tulsa finished with 11 shots and four shots on target. Tulsa also held a 4-3 advantage in corner kicks. Neither team found the net despite creating opportunities throughout the match.
Rourke anchors South Florida defense
Gaby Rourke played all 90 minutes in goal for South Florida and recorded three saves. Her first key stop came in the 13th minute, when she denied Tulsa’s Blaine Schutte. That save helped keep the match scoreless as Tulsa looked for an early breakthrough.
South Florida’s defense continued to prevent Tulsa from turning its shot advantage into a goal. Amelia Malkin and Reese Rupe were assessed yellow cards during the closely contested match. Tulsa’s four shots on goal were not enough to break through against Rourke and the Bulls.
Bulls create chances but cannot finish
McKenna Battilla sent an early attempt just wide before Brooke Fabri tested Tulsa goalkeeper Maddy Nigey with a free kick in the 24th minute. Nigey also stopped an effort from Kenza Brown late in the first half. Brown had won possession from a Tulsa player before firing toward goal.
South Florida continued to test Nigey in the closing stages with shots on target from Sophia Thomas and Battilla, but the Tulsa goalkeeper made both saves. Battilla led South Florida with five shots and one shot on goal. Brown and Thomas each recorded one shot on goal, while Marilia Nieves-Melchor added one attempt.
South Florida prepares for final home match
The draw extended the series pattern between the teams, with the last three meetings ending in ties. The all-time series between Tulsa and South Florida now stands at 8-1-3. South Florida will return to Corbett Stadium for its final home game of the season against UAB on Friday, Oct. 30, at 7 p.m.
The UAB match will feature a student costume contest and a candy bucket giveaway. It will give South Florida another opportunity to continue its pursuit of a place in the American Conference Tournament. The Bulls will host the match at Corbett Stadium.
FSB Take
South Florida’s road point came from a balanced performance that combined five shots on goal with a defense that held Tulsa scoreless. Tulsa had the advantages in total shots and corner kicks, but Rourke’s three saves helped South Florida withstand that pressure. The final home match against UAB now provides the next setting for the Bulls to continue their tournament pursuit.
Source: Original report