Tampa Drops Rowdies Cup to USF

TAMPA, Fla. - The University of Tampa fought back against the University of South Florida but ultimately fell 3-1 to the cross-town rival in the 2018 Rowdies Cup. 

INSIDE THE MATCHUP:

Final: USF 3, UT 1

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla. 

All-time series: USF 21-9-3

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HOW IT HAPPENED:

1st: USF kicked off the scoring in the 23rd minute as Stephen Rudderham ripped a shot from just inside the box. His goal came from the right side of the box and Jake Richards was able to get a hand on the ball, however it trickled off the post and into the net. 

2nd: Less than a minute into the second half, Rudderham put another one past Richards on a laser from just inside the 18 yard box. In the 59th minute, Juancho Fernandez scored on a wonderful strike across the keeper's face into the left corner of the netting. The Bulls were able to extend the lead to 3-1 following a penalty kick on a foul by Joey Bajza. USF gave the opportunity to Rudderham who capped off his hat trick.

INSIDE THE STATS:

• UT goalkeeper Richards made four saves on seven shots on goal.
• Fernandez led the team with four shots, one on net which represented the Spartans goal.
• Eight starters for UT played the full 90 minutes following Thursday's suspended match.
• UT held a 5-3 advantage in corner kicks.
• Both USF assists came via Tomasz Skublak.

UP NEXT: The Spartans will begin the regular season against West Florida on Friday, August 31 at Pepin Stadium, kickoff at 7 p.m.

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