Photo by Kendall Bulkiewicz | The Crow’s Nest
By Kendall Bulkiewicz
The University of South Florida Bulls men’s soccer team delivered a commanding 2-0 victory against Eckerd College on Thursday night at Corbett Stadium. The win marks a crucial moment for the Bulls, boosting team morale before heading into their first road game of the season.
Head coach Bob Butehorn emphasized the team’s shift in strategy following their game against Mercer last Sunday, August 25th.
“We sat in too much against Mercer, gave them too much of the ball,” Butehorn said. “Tonight, we just made an effort to not make them comfortable. We pressed a little higher and chased them out of the block. The changes we made in the system were embraced by the guys, and it made a big difference.”
The first goal of the night came from midfielder, Lovro Kostanjsek, who displayed skillful off-the-ball movement to find space and finish a well-timed run. Kostanjsek, who also provided an assist, was pivotal in the Bulls’ offensive efforts.
Forward, Jalen Anderson, added to the Bulls’ scoreline, securing the second goal of the match. Anderson’s performance highlighted his ability to seize opportunities in the attacking third.
Other assists in the match were credited to Marcelo Mondragon and Mathis Haugen.
The Bulls’ defensive efforts were equally noteworthy, maintaining control and composure throughout the match.
“I think the momentum was pretty much ours from the get-go,” Butehorn said. “We set the tone to press them in high spaces and not give them time. Once we solved their direct play, it was over.”
This victory sets a positive tone as USF prepares to hit the road for their upcoming match while coach Butehorn remains focused on continuous improvement.
“My motto is always progress towards perfection. If we can keep on that pace and keep the guys working hard, we’ll embrace anybody that comes our way” he said.
The Bulls’ next game will take place in North Carolina against UNC Wilmington at 7pm.
