ECU Falls To Top Seed USF 2-0 In AAC Semifinals

Friday, November 2

Tampa, FL

7 PM

East Carolina University

10-6-3, 5-4-0

University of South Florida

14-2-0, 8-1-0

ECU

USF

November 02, 2018 | Soccer

Box Score Box Score (PDF)

TAMPA, FLA. – Playing its fourth game in eight days, the ECU women's soccer team could not keep up with top seed USF, falling 2-0 on Friday night in the American semifinals.

"It is always tough when your season comes to an end," said head coach Jason Hamilton. "We have a lot to be happy about and celebrate what we've accomplished as a program this year."

ECU ends its run in the conference tournament with a 10-6-3 record. USF moves onto the AAC final with a 14-2 mark.

"I am very proud of our team and how hard they worked to get to where we are in such a short time," Hamilton said. "I am happy to send our seniors off with such a successful season and great memories."

The Bulls were on the front foot nearly as soon as the opening whistle blew. Pirate goalkeeper Melanie Stiles was forced into three saves in the opening six minutes of the game. In the seventh minute, Stiles made her fourth save of the game, knocking away a header by Bri Blethen. Unfortunately, the rebound fell to USF's Aubrey Megrath who headed the ball into the net.

While the Pirates did not have an abundance of offensive chances in the first half, they nearly score in the 22nd minute. Grace Doran found space nearly 25 yards away from the USF goal and took advantage by launching a curling shot with her left foot. Doran's effort curved towards the upper right corner of the USF goal, but USF goalkeeper Sydney Martinez was able to dive backwards and tip the shot over the crossbar and out of danger.

After the break, Stiles continued to keep the Pirates within striking distance. The redshirt sophomore made a trio of saves in the first 15 minutes of the second period.
ECU took its first shot of the second half in the 67th minute when Kat Gonzalez took a low flying effort from just outside of the USF box. Martinez dove to the right to save and then the Bulls were quickly able to go from defense to offense. After USF passed the ball around the back, it eventually found its way to Evelyne Viens just inside the halfway line. Viens was able to turn and sprint into space towards the ECU box. Just as Viens was charging into the Pirate penalty area, she took a shot with her right foot that caught the inside of left post and bounced into the goal.

Although ECU took five shots after Viens doubled USF's lead, the Pirates could not get on the scoreboard. It was only the second time ECU was shutout this season, the first time also coming against USF earlier in the season.

USF finished with 21-10 advantage in shots and an 11-5 edge in corner kicks. Stiles finished with nine saves for ECU, tying her season-high.

"We have a good core of our tam returning and some young, talented players who will now get the opportunity going forward," added Hamilton. "We are all excited to see what we can accomplish in the next couple of years as we continue to grow and develop as a team."

USF moves on to face No. 2 seed Memphis in the AAC final on Sunday afternoon.