Bulls Drop Overtime Decision to Marquette, 1-0

9/20/08

TAMPA – The University of South Florida women’s soccer team dropped a tough 1-0 overtime decision to Marquette University at USF Soccer Stadium.

“I was happy with the way the team battled,” said USF head coach Denise Schilte-Brown. “It was a tough game and they never quit. We will learn from this experience and move forward.”

The Bulls defense was solid as they played fast and aggressive throughout the game. Junior Mallori Lofton-Malachi would come up big for the Bulls with a sensational effort in goal. The Philadelphia, Pa. native would tally a career high 11 stops in the match.

Marquette’s golden goal would come in the 98th minute, when sophomore Ashley Bares would beat Lofton-Malachi for the game winner.

The Bulls and Eagles would remain scoreless at the half as the Bulls struggled to get their offensive attack going.

USF defense would hold strong, as Lofton-Malachi would register six saves in the half.

In the second half, the Bulls would become more aggressive in the second half mounting early scoring chances, as they would attempt three shots in the opening minutes of the half.

While battling leg cramps, Lofton-Malachi would step up again and make back to back diving saves to preserve the tie and force overtime.

The game marked the fifth overtime game this season for USF, which ties the most for a season when the Bulls went to extra time five times in 2005. The Bulls are 1-2-2 on the season in overtime games.

The Bulls record falls to 3-2-2 as the Golden Eagles improve to 5-3-0, while both of the Bulls loses have come in overtime.

The Bulls will be back in action this Sunday as they host the Owls of Florida Atlantic this Sunday at 1 p.m. at USF Soccer Stadium.