The University of South Florida women’s soccer team lost 3-0 to Florida Atlantic on Thursday in an American Conference road match in Boca Raton, Fla. Florida Atlantic scored all three of its goals in the first half and held South Florida scoreless after halftime.
The loss moved South Florida to 2-5-3 overall and 0-1-2 in the American Conference. Florida Atlantic improved to 4-5-4 overall and 2-2-0 in conference play.
Florida Atlantic Takes Control Early
Yui Suetsugu recorded South Florida’s first shot 1:30 into the match, but the attempt went over the net. Florida Atlantic answered 30 seconds later when Hailey Santiago scored the opening goal, with Lola Hathorne providing the assist.
South Florida created chances to respond. Audrey Buck put a shot on frame that the Florida Atlantic goalkeeper saved, while Sophia Cabral had an attempt blocked.
Florida Atlantic doubled its lead when Hathorne scored. McKenna Battilla then tested the goalkeeper in the 25th minute, but her shot was saved.
Florida Atlantic added its third goal in the 42nd minute after Jada Alexander was called for a foul in the box. Selena Gaytan converted the resulting penalty kick to give Florida Atlantic a 3-0 halftime lead.
South Florida Held Scoreless After Halftime
Neither team scored in the second half. South Florida’s best chance after the break came in the 76th minute, when Battilla put another shot toward goal and the Florida Atlantic goalkeeper made the save.
South Florida finished with five shots on goal, while Florida Atlantic had six. Battilla made her second start of the season and recorded three shots on goal, and Gaby Rourke played all 90 minutes in goal for South Florida while recording two saves.
What Comes Next
South Florida returns to Corbett Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 8, to host UTSA at 7 p.m. The match will be streamed on ESPN+.
Fans in attendance will receive breast cancer awareness rally towels while supplies last.
FSB Take
Florida Atlantic decided the match before halftime by converting three scoring opportunities. South Florida generated five shots on goal, including three from Battilla, but could not turn those chances into a goal.
The match against UTSA gives South Florida its next opportunity to pursue its first American Conference victory of the season at Corbett Stadium.
Source: Original report