Women's Soccer Ties NIU In Orlando

8/21/07

ORLANDO, Fla. - The University of South Florida women’s soccer team tied the University of Northern Illinois, 1-1, Tuesday night at the UCF Soccer Stadium in Orlando, Fla.



The Bulls are now 1-0-1 in exhibition play, with a 1-0 victory over Tampa last weekend and today’s tie with the Huskies.



The Bulls started the game slow, finding themselves down 1-0 at the half, but got their feet in the second half, knotting the game at one apiece by the end of the preseason contest.



In the second half, a free kick by junior defender Melanie Sutherland was collected by senior Autumn Browning, who took a shot that was blocked by the NIU keeper. Sophomore midfielder Kaneile Thomas rebounded the ball, and smashed a shot into the back of the net for USF’s lone goal.



Thomas has three points in USF’s two preseason games, including an assist in the UT game and a goal tonight.



On Saturday, August 25, USF will return to Orlando to play the UCF Knights on their home field, the UCF Soccer Complex. The 7 p.m. weekend contest will wrap up the Bulls’ preseason play and prepare USF for their regular season opener on August 31 against Stetson in DeLand at 4 p.m.



USF’s home opener is September 28 when the Bulls face off against the preseason No. 10 Connecticut Huskies at 7:30 p.m.