Senior defender Yohance Marshall scored a goal in the sixth minute to lead No. 12 USF (10-3-2, 6-2-1 BIG EAST) to a 1-0 victory over Villanova (6-8-2, 3-4-2 BIG EAST) on Friday afternoon in Villanova, Pa.
“I am very happy for the team,” said USF head coach George Kiefer. “In the beginning of the year we set a goal to break the school shutout record and to do that on the road against a BIG EAST team was nice. I am happy to see they have accomplished one of the goals they have set out to do.”
The Wildcats nearly jumped out to a lead just 24 seconds into the game but sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Attinella came up with a big save to keep the game scoreless. USF would then capitalize at the 6:29 mark when All-American candidate Marshall got on the end of a Kevon Neaves corner kick for the only goal of the game. It was Marshall’s second goal of the year, both game-winners. It was the fifth assist of the year for Neaves.
Attinella was stellar in goal, making seven saves in the game to record his eighth shutout of the season. The Safety Harbor, Fla., native lowered his nationally ranked goals against average to 0.33 and improved to 9-2-1 on the year.
Seniors Jason Devenish and Neaves, and junior Zak Boggs, all had three shots in the game.
“The leadership we are getting out of our two captains, Yohance and Francisco Aristeguieta, and even Kevon are helping the entire group,” said Kiefer. “You need leadership and guidance, when playing a team like Villanova on the road.”
The Bulls will continue BIG EAST action when they travel to Cincinnati, Tuesday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. The Bearcats are currently 5-8-2 overall and 2-5-1 in the BIG EAST.