No. 20 USF Women’s Soccer Opens Season with 2-1 Victory Over Florida Gators

No. 20 USF women’s soccer picked up right where they left off last year, and defeated the Florida Gators 2-1 on Thursday night inside Corbett Stadium. The victory was the Bulls’ first-ever win over the Gators at home.

USF took it straight to the Gators—who are breaking in new head coach Tony Amato after legendary coach Becky Burleigh retired after last season—early and often in the first half. USF out-shot the Gators 12-3 in the half, and finally broke through on senior transfer Chloe Zamiela’s goal in the 40th minute.

The Gators struck back promptly after halftime in the 47th minute on a goal by Kit Loferski on a well-executed counter attack, which the Gators had been playing for most of the night.

Fortunately for the Bulls, freshman Madeleine Penman-Derstine answered right back not even three minutes later for the eventual game-winning goal for the Bulls.

USF hasn’t lost at home since September 29, 2019 when Memphis knocked the Bulls off 2-1. The Bulls were selected by the AAC coaches to win the conference once again. USF completed the double last year by winning the regular season, and conference tournament crown.

The Bulls will welcome in UNF on Saturday at 6 p.m. and it’ll air on ESPN+.