Florida Gulf Coast University succumbed to South Florida's second-half surge Sunday, falling 4-0 on the road in Tampa, Florida.
"Not the result we wanted, but we will get better from this as we prepare for our games next week," head coach Jim Blankenship said.
USF scored all four of its goals in the second half, in the 47th, 72nd, 76th and 78th minute. With the loss, FGCU dropped to 0-2, while USF won their third straight match.
Defensively, the Eagles were up to the task in the first 45 minutes of play, retaining a scoreless 0-0 tie in the South Florida heat heading into the half. FGCU's speed and conditioning disrupted USF's long ball and one-on-one attack game plan early. Goalkeeper Olivia Molina snatched seven saves by the midway point to keep USF off the board.
Reese Mendenhall jump-started FGCU's best scoring opportunity in the first half. She cleared a loose ball in the 38th minute that was punched out by Molina. Ashley Labbe raced down the pitch and was fouled in transition to stop the Eagles' advance at the top of the box. The sequence led to a free kick that sailed high.
Entering the match, the Bulls had scored five goals in both of its wins this season. USF ranked top five in the nation in three offensive categories, assists, points and total goals.
FGCU began to counter with two shots in the first two minutes of the second half, but the Bulls quickly responded with their first scoring strike by burying a long cross.
In the 64th minute, Labbe's equalizer and open-look opportunity inside the 18-yard box sailed over the crossbar. Labbe would come inches away once again in the 77th minute. Her rocket of a sliding shot ricocheted off the right post and the game remained 3-0 USF.
USF scored its second goal of the day in the 72nd minute. Molina originally saved the shot attempt, but leading goal scorer Anna Sutter appeared for the finish on the backside of the play. USF tallied its third goal off a corner opportunity and its fourth and final blow occurred amid an uncleared cross – all four different goal scorers.
Labbe and Erika Zschuppe paced the Eagles offensively, combining for four of FGCU's eight shots. Molina finished her day between the pipes with 11 saves.
FGCU continues its three-match road swing Thursday, Aug. at No. 24 Iowa. Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. on Big 10 Plus.
