Shion Soga nets the second goal of his young career.
TAMPA (April 2, 2021) – The University of South Florida men’s soccer team looked to close out its regular-season home schedule with a much-needed win while looking for the opportunity to make some movement among the top four in the American Athletic Conference standing. Memphis, however, came into Corbett Stadium and had other ideas as the Tigers handed the Bulls a disappointing 2-1 double-overtime loss. The setback was USF’s second-straight in double-overtime.
The Bulls fall to 4-5 overall and Memphis improves to 2-6.
Shion Soga got the Bulls on the board first in the 43rd minute of play off a pass from Victor Claudel to make the score 1-0 just before the intermission. That capped a first half that saw USF outshoot the Tigers 9-4 in the first 45 minutes of the match.
Memphis, however, came out in the second stanza, turning the tides and playing the aggressor, outshooting the Bulls 12-4, despite the USF defense – and goalkeeper Kazuna Takase – not allowing the Tigers to find the back of the goal.
Memphis finally broke through in the 70th minute of play when Memphis’ Ntezey Swalita lofted the ball from right inside midfield to just outside the box, finding Emanual Santos who chipped the ball over Takase’s head to even the match at one-all.
Despite giving up the goal Takase made some spectacular saves between the posts on the night to keep the Bulls in prime position to get the win as both sides headed into the overtime session.
In the extra session, the Bulls looked to end the match with back-to-back blasts, coming in the 97th minute, from Josue Monge and Soga, and then in the 100th minute Diego Guerrero went just wide left of the post. Guerrero’s shot would be the only one for the Green and Gold in the second overtime.
Memphis eventually took advantage of a corner kick in the 108th minute of play when the offering, after being pinballed around in the box, found the foot of Santos who fired it to the top left corner for his second goal of the match and the game-winner.
Takase finished the night with seven saves in the contest. Claudel, Monge, Guerrero, and Soga all led the way with three shots, including all with one on goal.
Scoring Summary
USF – Shion Soga (Victor Claudel; 42:22)
Memphis – Emanuel Santos (Ntezey Swalita; 69:29)
Memphis – Emanuel Santos (Unassisted; 107:32)
1 2 OT1 OT2 F
USF 1 0 0 0 1
MEMPHIS 0 1 0 1 2
Shots: USF 16, UM 19
Shots on Goal: USF 6, UM 9
Saves: USF 7, UM 5
Corner Kicks: USF 2, UM 10
Fouls: USF 11, UM 11
Notable
- USF’s loss to Memphis drops its record in the all-time series to 18-5-4 … Also, the Bulls are now 12-4-1 all-time against the Tigers in Tampa.
- Shion Soga recorded the second goal of his career.
Up Next
The Bulls will close out their regular season on Friday, April 9, at 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+) when they travel to America’s heartland to face Tulsa, before heading to the American Athletic Conference Tournament, April 15 and 17 at the site of the No. 1-seed.
About USF Men’s Soccer
To stay up-to-date on the latest USF Men’s Soccer news, follow the Bulls on social media (Twitter | Facebook | Instagram).
USF Men’s Soccer competed in the school’s first ever intercollegiate athletic contest on Sept. 25, 1965, beating Florida Southern 4-3. Since then, the oldest program on campus has built a winning tradition, claiming 14 conference championships and making 21 NCAA Tournament appearances, including 3 trips to the elite eight.
The program also has a strong reputation within the professional game and boasts 27 MLS draft picks. Notable alumni include two-time MLS Golden Boot winner Jeff Cunningham, USA 1994 World Cup star Roy Wegerle, and 2013 MLS Cup winner Dom Dwyer.
The Bulls have advanced to the postseason in 18 of the past 19 years, including 12 NCAA Tournament appearances during that period.
USF Soccer concluded the 2019 season with an 11-7-1 overall record, earning an at-large NCAA Tournament bid. Four players earned AAC honors, highlighted by first team selections Avionne Flanagan and Javain Brown. Adrian Billhardt was tabbed a second team selection. In addition, Brown and Salvatore Mazzaferro were named to The AAC All-Rookie Team. Head coach Bob Butehorn returns to lead USF in his fourth season on the sidelines.
– #GoBulls –
