Mens Soccer: Marshall's First Goal Seals Tie With FAU

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

Marshall's First Goal Seals Tie With FAU

BOCA RATON, Fla. –  In its third double-overtime match in the last four outings, the No. 15 University of South Florida men's soccer team recorded its second tie of the year, a 1-1 final against Florida Atlantic, Tuesday night at FAU Field.

Capping off a four-game road stint, USF, 7-2-2 (2-2-1), fell behind for only the third time this season when the Owls' Gianni Piccoletti placed a header past Bulls goalkeeper Diego Restrepo in the 17th minute of play for his second score of the year.  Senior defender David Acosta was credited with the assist.

"I felt like we started the match slow, but then picked up our game in the last 20 minutes of the first half and continued to improve in the start of the second," said head coach George Kiefer.

That improved play was evident by junior defender Yohance Marshall registering his first goal of the year to equalize the match just before the conclusion of the first half.

In the 44th minute, freshman midfielder Bernardo Anor sent a free kick into FAU's box that Marshall was able to power into the net.  The header was the third career goal of the Malabar Arima, Trinidad, native's career and the first points for him this year. 

Marshall's shot on goal was his second this season, as he took the first penalty kick against UCF in the season opener.

For Anor, the assist was the his second this year, brining his points total to 10 and making him the fourth Bull in double-digits in that category this season, (Jordan Seabrook - 15, Simon Schoendorf - 13, Kevon Neaves - 10).

The 1-1 score proved to be all the offense in the contest, as the score remained steady through the second half and two overtimes, despite USF advancement.

"I was happy with the chances we created in overtime," continued Kiefer.  "We had five or six good opportunities to put the game away.  As long as we keep creating those kinds of chances, we'll be alright."

The Bulls were out-shot 13-8 in the match but Restrepo tallied four saves to keep any further damage from being done.  The tie was the first of the year for FAU, who move to 4-6-1 overall.

The match marks the last non-conference opponent the Bulls will see this year.  They will battle only BIG EAST Red Division foes from this point on, with four of the six remaining regular season matches at home.

USF now returns home to Tampa to face Red Division leader Villanova on Fri., Oct. 12 at 8 p.m. 

Tickets to all USF home matches are $5 for adults, $3 for youth 16-and-under and $2 for groups of 10 or more.  Season ticket packages are also available.  Call 1-800-GoBulls or visit www.GoUSFBulls.com for details.  Spectators will have the opportunity to get player and coach autographs at the conclusion of every home game down on the field.

Fans can also catch all home games on the USF Press Pass.  Live video and audio streaming is available for all matches played in the USF Soccer Stadium with Jim Henderson delivering the play-by-play call.