USF Women’s Soccer Wins Fifth Straight

USF women’s soccer won its fifth straight game and moved into second place in The American with a 1-0 win over Temple in Tampa on Thursday night, coupled with Houston’s upset of Cincinnati.

The win puts the Bulls (10-3-0, 6-1-0 American) in strong position heading into the two biggest games of the year vs UConn and at UCF. It was also the fifth straight win by USF, after losing to Cincinnati early in conference play. Since the loss, USF has outscored opponents 14-3.

The Bulls outclassed Temple all night long, allowing very few looks for the Owls. The Owl defense stood up to the high-powered USF offense most of the night, but couldn’t survive the onslaught unscathed.

Leah Ferlin provided the decisive moment in the 63rd minute. Sabrina Wagner came running down the wing and sent Ferlin a tough ball across the top of the 18-yard box. Facing away from net, Ferlin shot across her body and across the net. The ball took a slight deflection off an Owl defender and just off the hands of keeper Morgan Basileo. It was impressive shot for the freshman for her third goal of the year.

Temple’s best chance came soon after. Keeper Kat Elliot appeared to briefly misjudge a ball on frame, but the senior recovered to keep the ball out of the net and preserve her second straight clean sheet and fifth of the year.

The Bulls’ home regular-season finale and SenIor Day is Sunday at 1:00 at home against UConn. USF then closes out the regular season in Orlando next Friday in a game that looks to be for top of the conference and host of the conference tournament.