TAMPA, Fla. (September 17, 2006) - The University of South Florida men's soccer team (4-2-2, 2-0-2 BIG EAST) remained unbeaten in BIG EAST play with a 1-1 tie versus the Pittsburgh Panthers (2-4-2, 2-1-1 BIG EAST) on Sunday, Sept. 17 at the USF Soccer Stadium.
Senior Sammy Castellanos scored his first goal of the season, converting a penalty kick attempt in the 61st minute to earn the Bulls a point in the BIG EAST standings. With the draw, USF remains in first place of the Red Division. USF controlled much of the game, out-shooting Pittsburgh 35-7. The Bulls created a number of scoring chances, forcing Pittsburgh goalkeeper Andy Jorgensen to make 15 saves on the afternoon. The Bulls registered 16 shots on goal, while limiting Pittsburgh to just four. Both the 35 shots and 16 shots on goal were the most recorded by USF in BIG EAST action. Six different players has three or more shots in the contest, including Castellanos, Kevon Neaves and Anthony Wallace each registered five shots in the contest.
The Bulls' lone mistake took place in the 11th minute, giving the Panthers the best and only true scoring chance of the game.
After a Bulls' turnover at midfield, Pittsburgh took an early lead with a goal in the 11th minute. Matt Baker scored his second goal of the season to give the Panthers a 1-0 advantage early in the first half. On a quick counter attack, Baker received a long pass from defender Mike Cunha, allowing the Pittsburgh midfielder to get behind the Bulls back line and beat Dane Brenner for the score. Cunha was credited with his third assist of the season.
The tie is the second-consecutive BIG EAST draw for the Bulls and the 101st overtime contest all-time in USF history.
USF will hit the road to face the Villanova Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 23. Game time is 1 p.m. USF's next home match is Saturday, September 30 vs Rutgers at the USF Soccer field in Tampa at 7:30 p.m.