The Eagles Men’s Soccer team faced off against the South Florida Bulls last Friday in a non-conference Georgia-Florida clash. The Eagles lost 2-1 in a game where they were overpowered offensively by the Bulls.

South Florida had 15 shots with nine on target for the game, while the Eagles only produced five shots, all on target. Senior Eagles’ goalkeeper Jack Falle managed seven saves on the game, which was a season high for him.

South Florida had goals by Junior Nazeem Bartman in the 33’ minute mark, and Senior Brendan Hines-Ike in the 49’ minute mark. Though the Eagles did score, it wasn’t their own doing as the Bulls’ defender, Brandon Riley, mistakenly scored on their own goal in the 51’ minute while being pressured by the Eagles’ defense.

The game was closer than predicted as South Florida was a heavy favorite in the match-up. Previously this season, they were ranked in the top-25 of NCAA Men’s Soccer Rankings. The Bulls are now (3-2-0) with wins over No. 25 ranked Georgetown, Missouri State and Georgia Southern. Their losses come from No. 10 Indiana and No. 2 Notre Dame, which shows why they were considered a tough team to beat. South Florida has been tested and proven this season, showing the Eagles something they weren’t prepared for yet.

The Eagles are now (1-3-0) on the season with losses from Stetson, South Carolina and South Florida. Their one win came from defeating Presbyterian College. Georgia Southern’s non-conference slate for the season prepares them for success in their Sun Belt games. The ultimate prize of winning their first ever Sun Belt conference championship and making their first appearance in the NCAA tournament is still within eyeshot.

The Eagles’ next game is in Nashville, Tennessee against Lipscomb on Friday, Sept. 18 at 8 p.m.