USF Takes on Akron

Demi Stokes may have to lead the way is Chelsea Klotz is not healthy after suffering an injury last Friday. (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

The USF ladies, after a hard fought tie with Murray State (now 2-2-1) host Akron on Friday night (game is at 7:30 PM).

Akron is off to a rough start this season, entering the weekend at 1-2-0. They have been out shot 21 to 58 so far in their 3 games, scoring just 1 goal so far while allowing an average of 2 goals against them, so this is good news for USF who has not scored a goal in the last two games.

USF may be without senior Chelsea Klotz who was injured in the game last Friday after colliding into a Vanderbilt player (Klotz missed the Sunday game). There has been no word as of yet on her ability to play, but she may not be a go in this one. Here are the players to look for against USF.

Akron is led by sophomore forward Kyarah Foushee (5-4). She has taken 3 shots this season and has the lone goal of the season for the Zips. Sophomore midfielder Kelly Denior (5-5) made the assist on that goal and has taken 4 shots on the season. Senior forward Rachel Phillip (5-2) has taken 6 shots and continues to be the most aggressive offensive player on their front line (Stack and company will have to shut her down).

Junior midfielder Ashley Hughes (5-3) has taken 3 shots on the season so far. Sophomore midfielder/defender Maggie Rusnak (5-8) has taken 2 shots on the year. Senior midfielder Jordan Clark (5-10) has taken 2 shots (trying to get goals anywhere they can). Sophomore defender Gillian Gross (5-3) is key member to the defensive back line as well.

Akron has used two goalkeepers this season. Jenny Wolbert has allowed 5 goals this season while stopping 20 shots on net (80%) and has a record of 1-1. Alex-Luevano-Harden has also played, allowing 1 goal while stopping 3 (75%) and dropping the second game of the season. Expect to see Wolbert in the net unless she struggles in this game.

So what can we expect in this game for USF? The offense has been cold lately, getting zero offense and with Klotz potentially out for this game, Stokes, Pacheco, Pineiro, and Bala will all have to go on the attack, control the tempo, and get something together on the scoreboard. The Bulls learned a lot over the weekend and should be re-energized at home for this game and hopefully will get back to winning.