USF Women’s Soccer NCAA First Round Preview: Bulls vs. FGCU Eagles

It’s tournament time for women’s soccer, as they host familiar foe FGCU in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

The last time these two teams met, it was in the first round of the NCAA tournament in 2015 where the Eagles prevailed 2-1. Since then, both teams have turned over almost their entire rosters. The only remaining starter from the 2015 FGCU team is midfielder Nikki Hudson, who started all 18 games for the Eagles this season. For USF, keeper Kat Elliot and Grace Adams are the only starters from the 2015 game still on roster (current senior Ocean Parr came off the bench).

This year, the Eagles enter the contest 14-3-1. They’re the Atlantic Sun Champions, defeating Lipscomb 3-2 in double overtime in the final. FGCU is led by sophomore Marjorie Boilesen of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The UWF transfer has 11 goals and 9 assists on the season. The back line is anchored by senior defender Ashley Parks, who started all 18 games this year, helping the Eagles to 11 clean sheets. Between the sticks is sophomore Melissa Weck. She’s allowed 11 goals on 134 shots faced this year and posted nine shutouts.

The Eagles bring a free-scoring offense to Tampa, outscoring opponents 50-11 during the 2017 campaign. They’ve scored five or more goals four times this year, with a season high eight coming against Webber International.

The only common opponent between USF and FGCU this year was Georgia Southern. USF defeated GSU 5-0, FGCU won 3-0.

The Bulls and Eagles meet Saturday at 1:00 at Corbett Stadium. Tailgating on Sycamore starts at 10:00. The first 500 students to the game get in free.