USF WOMEN'S SOCCER: Bulls Set To Open BIG EAST Action

[Brad]

Courtesy USF:

USF WOMEN'S SOCCER: Bulls Set To Open BIG EAST Action

TAMPA (9/17/2008) - Fresh off their thrilling double over-time win against Illinois State, the University of South Florida women’s soccer team will open conference play on Friday, Sept. 19 against BIG EAST foe Marquette at the USF Soccer Stadium. The Bulls will then welcome in-state rival Florida Atlantic on Sunday at 1 p.m.

The Bulls come into the weekend with a record of 3-1-2 after going 1-0-1 this past weekend. The Bulls tied Stetson, 1-1, and then beat Illinois State, 3-2, 102 minutes. Members of the Bulls’ freshmen class provided the scoring punch in the two games as freshmen Gina Pacheco and Noelle Pineiro accounted for a goal each and freshman Chelsea Klotz added two against Illinois State including the game-winner in the 102nd minute.

Junior goalkeeper Mallori Lofton-Malachi recorded 15 saves over weekend. Lofton-Malachi leads the BIG EAST in saves (32) and saves per game (5.33).

Klotz, who ranks third in the BIG EAST in shot attempts (27) and shots per game(4.33), was named the SoccerFLA.com’s Player of the Week for her efforts this past week.

Marquette will come to Tampa with a 4-3-0 after losing 1-0 in consecutive games to Auburn and South Carolina over the weekend.  Through seven games, the Golden Eagles have out shot their opponents by a 126-54 margin.

The Golden Eagles, coached by Markus Roeders, are led by junior Kelly Wepking, who has registered two goals as six different Golden Eagles have tallied points for Marquette. 

In goal for Marquette will either be freshman Natalie Kulla or junior Chelsey Turner. Kulla holds a record of 3-1 with a goal against average of .54 goals per game while Turner has a record 1-2 despite only allowing .57 goals per game.

This will mark the 13th meeting all-time between the two schools with Marquette holding 9-2-1 series lead.

The Owls of Florida Atlantic will take on Stetson University on Friday before coming to Tampa on Sunday. Coach by Brian Dooley, the Owls will come into the weekend with a record of 1-3 after dropping back to back matches to Miami and Eastern Michigan. In four games, the Owls have been outshot 45-29 and outscored by a 6-3 margin.

Sophomore Anhni Tran has accounted for two of the Owl’s three goals on just five shots.

In goal for the Owls will be senior Jessica Badders, who has made 11 saves on the season. Badders, who has started all four games, has allowed six goals in 363:39 of action.

Sunday’s meeting will mark the 14th meeting all-time as USF holds a 6-5-2 edge in the all-time series. The Bulls are 10-7-3 in games against Sun Belt Conference members.

For those who can’t make the game, follow the action on the USF Press Pass, which features live video and audio streaming or watch live stats. Both can be found at GoUSFBulls.com. Bulls’ fans will also be able to listen to the game on USF Press Pass and WBUL 1620, as the voice of USF women’s soccer, Garrett Woolvard, calls the play-by-play.

Individual tickets can be purchased at the gates starting one hour prior to each home game. Season and group tickets can be purchased through 1-800-GoBulls.