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USF started their season with a tough road game against the nation’s No. 1 team and reigning national champion Maryland.
The Bulls went to College Park and hung around for 90 minutes, getting plenty of good chances before conceding in the 70th minutes, which would be the only goal of the match.
USF battled however came out on the short end of a 1-0 decision against the No. 1 ranked team in the nation, and defending NCAA champs, Maryland, in the opener for both teams. The Bulls return to Corbett Stadium for their home-opener on Sept. 6 vs. Marquette at 7 p.m. #HornsUp pic.twitter.com/rw73tp1kx8
— USF Men's Soccer (@USFMSOC) August 30, 2019
Maryland found their breakthrough in the 70th minute, when freshman Malcolm Jenkins had a perfectly placed header off a corner kick to the bottom right post to provide the difference maker in this match.
GET IN @MalcolmJ_19 ‼️#Excellence pic.twitter.com/IqixmlgwvK
— Maryland Soccer (@MarylandMSoccer) August 30, 2019
The shot differential heavily favored the Terrapins, outshooting USF 10-2. For shots on goal however, the Terrapins were only favored 3-2. Juniors Avionne Flanagan and Josue Monge provided the two shots on goal for USF tonight, both saved by Maryland’s goalkeeper. Two freshmen would earn their first career starts tonight, with Victor Claudel and Salvatore Mazzaferro getting a full 90 minutes of experience in one of the most hostile environments in college soccer.
Up next, USF will get their home opener against Big East foe Marquette on Friday September 6th at 7 p.m.