University of Washington
South Florida
No. 8 Washington Responds To Top USF, 2-1
September 22, 2014 | Men's Soccer
Final Stats
TAMPA, Fla. – No. 8 Washington made it a road sweep on Sunday evening in the humidity, topping South Florida, 2-1. The Dawgs rebounded from allowing an early goal to come all the way back for a big victory over a quality opponent.
Washington fell behind in the opening minutes when Kennedy Adablah of USF scored off a corner kick. Lucas Baldin sent in a nice cross and Adablah was there to win a header and give the Bulls the lead.
The Dawgs fought back, however, as Mason Robertson delivered the equalizer in the 29th minute. Andy Thoma made one of his patented runs down the left wing and sent in a perfect cross to Robertson who slammed a header from well outside the six-yard box. The goal was Robertson's fifth of the young season to tie Darwin Jones for the team lead.
Thoma picked up his second assist as he continues to be a dangerous part of the offense, overlapping up the left wing.
The score would remain tied until the half with the Dawgs outshooting USF, 8-6. Washington also had a 6-2 advantage on corner kicks in the half.
After the break, the Dawgs would take the lead in the 57th minute on another cross to a header. This time it was Justin Schmidt playing a nice ball to Josh Heard who nodded a home his fourth goal of the season. The assist was Schmidt's second as another Husky defender got forward to supplement the attack.
After the goal, USF pushed forward and had its share of chances, outshooting the Huskies in the second half. The Dawgs defense remained stout, however, as Ryan Herman allowed just the early goal, making three saves.
Schmidt and Michael Gallagher once again locked down the middle of the field from their central defense positions, while Justin Fiddes earned his first start at outside back, alongside Thoma.
The win propels Washington to a 6-1 record as they had back to the Pacific Northwest this week. The Huskies will wrap up the non-conference season on Saturday night when they travel south to face Portland at 7 p.m.
