Men’s Soccer Drops 1-0 Decision at USF

Wednesday, September 14

Tampa, Fla.

7:00 p.m.

University of North Florida

3-1-1

USF

2-3-2

North Florida

South Fla.

9/14/2016 10:37:00 PM | Men's Soccer

Box Score

By: Scott Fitzgerald | Athletic Communications

Box Score (PDF)
TAMPA, Fla. – The only shot on goal for USF (2-3-1) found the back of the net early in the second half which was enough for a 1-0 win over North Florida (3-1-1). The Ospreys held a 14-4 shot advantage in the game and suffer their first defeat of the season.

Goals
56' – Nazeem Bartman (Assist: Marcus Epps)

Match Summary
The Ospreys spent the first 45 minutes knocking on the door with eight total shots, four of which went on net. Meanwhile the Osprey defense was ironclad, allowing only one USF shot, a errant attempt by Lindo Mfeka in the 37^th minute.

Despite the constant offensive pressure by the Ospreys, it was the Bulls who broke the stalemate in the 56^th minute on Nazeem Bartman's second goal of the season. Marcus Epps delivered a cross inside eight yards to an awaiting Bartman who finished the eventual game-winner. The goal was Bartman's second game-winning goal in four days as he scored the first goal in a 2-0 win over San Francisco on Saturday.

The Ospreys managed six shots after the USF goal, one of which went on net. Michah Smoak led North Florida with five shots while Josh Castellanos had four. Bulls goalkeeper Spaso Stefanovic made five saves en route to his first shutout of the season.

Game Notes
-Wednesday was the first, second-half deficit the Ospreys haven't been able to overcome. North Florida trailed in the second half against N.C. State and FIU but still came away with comeback wins.
-The Ospreys were blanked for the first time this season and for the first time since a 1-0 defeat to Coastal Carolina in the first round of last year's NCAA Tournament.
-Goalkeeper Juanes Fajardo gave up his first non-PK goal of the season. He had only allowed a PK reach the back of the net in 180 minutes of action going into Wednesday's game.
-Wednesday night's result was a near replica of last year's meeting vs. USF. The Ospreys outshot the Bulls 16-6 last year but fell 2-0.

From Coach Marinatos
About First Half Play
"We played about about as good as you can without scoring a goal. In terms of possession, shots and pressure we dominated the first half we were dominant. We had plenty of chances to score but sometimes when you don't cash in on a number of opportunities it gives an opponent confidence and that's what it did."

On the Opponent
"A credit to USF, they came out of the halftime break and outplayed us and ultimately got a goal. We didn't capitalize on our chances and they took advantage in the early going of the second half. The good news is we go on to play the No. 8 team in the country (Denver) on Saturday and have the chance to get back on track in a big way."

Up Next: The Ospreys will continue their four-game road trip with a match at No. 8 Denver on Saturday night.