Moalosi Nets Winner to Lift USF Past UConn
TAMPA, SEPT. 27, 2014 – Edwin Moalosi netted the game-winner in the second minute of overtime to lift the Bulls to their first-ever win over UConn on Saturday night in a hostile environment at Joseph J. Morrone Stadium in Storrs, Conn.
The senior captain blasted home a loose ball in the box after the Huskies were unable to clear away a rebound off the initial shot by Lucas Baldin, who was credited with an assist on the play.
It was the second goal of the season and seventh career goal for Moalosi and gave USF its first win on the road this season. UConn, the preseason favorite to win the American Athletic Conference, dropped to 2-5-1 on the year with the loss while the Bulls improved to 4-3-0 and picked up their first conference win on the year.
Both teams we’re very solid defensively throughout the match but especially in the first half, limiting each other to very few quality chances. The Huskies only had six shots while the Bulls were only able to manage two in the opening 45 minutes.
USF was able to up the offensive intensity in the second half, outshooting UConn 8-2, and forcing Huskies’ goalkeeper Jacob Wagmeister to make a couple of saves. They also tightened up on the defensive end, allowing UConn only two shots throughout the second half and overtime.
Neither side was able to get on the board in regulation and the game headed to overtime in a scoreless draw.
That set the stage for Moalosi and the Bulls to pick up their second overtime victory this season and start 1-0 in conference play. USF was 0-8-2 all-time against UConn heading into the game, but had a lot of confidence after tying the Huskies twice last season and advancing past them 6-5 in penalty kicks to win the inaugural American Athletic Conference Championship.
Spasoje Stefanovic made three saves on the night and recorded his second shutout of the season in the win.
Marcus Epps also had a strong performance, leading all players with three shots for the game.
USF now heads back home for a three-game homestand that starts Wednesday when Georgia Southern visits Corbett Stadium for a non-conference tilt at 7:30 p.m.
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