Women’s Soccer Cruises Through First Round

USF women’s soccer rolled onto a 10-game unbeaten streak, beating FGCU 3-0 with ease on Saturday afternoon.

FGCU had a few looks on net, but keeper Kat Elliott handled each chance without fuss. The USF midfield was absolutely dominant, with Andrea Hauksdottir having a particularly strong presence. The defense also had a great day, turning away many promising runs forward and taking advantage of their size difference over the Eagles.

Evelyne Viens had the biggest impact early. In the 18th minute, she received a pass from Sabrina Wagner, running across the top of the 18. Viens curled the shot well around keeper Marissa Weck and into the far side net. After a relatively even start to the game, it changed the momentum hard in the favor of USF.

The Bulls had chance after chance, totaling 17 shots on the day to FGCU’s 8. However, it would take until the 79th minute for USF to add any insurance. A Hauksdottir corner deflected off the hands of Weck and bounced around in the box. Leah Ferlin managed to get a foot to the ball, and it rolled over the line as defenders scrambled to stop the shot.

Just 3 minutes later, Weck massively mishit a goal kick straight to a waiting Viens. On two touches, she passed the ball to a streaking Aubrey Megrath who calmly put away the third goal of the day. The Bulls kept the offensive pressure up for the rest of the game, but substitutes began to come on for USF to rest the starters.

The Bulls meet the Florida Gators in Gainesville the second round of the NCAA. The date and time have yet to be determined.