Passariello Notches Two Goals as Bulls beat FGCU in Exhibition Match

Passariello scored 2 goals, including the game winner against FGCU today (Picture: www.gousfbulls.com)

It might only be an exhibition game, but it was a great way to start the season for the USF ladies soccer team as they notched a 3 to 2 win over FGCU at Corbett stadium.

Dealing with the heat, the ladies fell behind early as FGCU scored in the 11th minute as Wacker got the ball past Summer Ikeda who got the start in the net.  The Bulls dictated the pace of the game and were very aggressive up front with Sarah Miller and Sharla Passariello leading the attack.  The aggressiveness paid off in the 23rd minute as Passariello scored off a deflected ball to notch the game at 1 to 1 heading into half time (Passariello almost had another goal but was called offsides, Stokes had a shot go just high of the crossbar).

In the second half, Christiane Endler took over in the net as Coach Schilte-Brown continued rotate players in.  The Bulls fell behind in the second half however as Endler mishandled a loose ball and FGCU quickly scored, but the lead wouldn't last.  A minute later, Demi Stokes, who continued to attacked, scored the equalizing goal.  The game carried on and the Bulls, led by a great defensive backline late, were able to go on the attack and Passariello put them ahead 3 to 2 to win the game with just 2 minutes left in regulation.

It was a great showing by Passariello, Miller, and Stokes to begin the season and they will look to continue the offensive attack against Jacksonville as they host the Dolphins at 7PM at Corbett, the final exhibition game before the start of the season.