By Jordan Shim–
Men’s soccer came to a 1-1 draw against South Florida.
Tate Schmitt gave the Cardinals the lead in the 17th minute with a turn-and-strike goal. Josue Monge scored in the 55th minute to make it 1-1.
“I thought that early on, we created some pretty good chances,” coach Ken Lolla said. “Mo had the 1v1 early. And had we finished some of the chances in the first half, and we go into halftime 2-0 or 3-0, the game is much different. You keep a team in the game, and one chance changes it.”
Louisville did everything but take the lead in the 15th minute when Tim Kubel unlocked the USF defense with a through ball to set up a 1v1 with Mo Thiaw and USF goalkeeper Christian Knight. Knight made a critical foot save to keep the game goalless.
Louisville broke through with Schmitt bagging his third goal in two games with a strike similar to the game-winner against Boston College in the 17th minute. Off of Kubel’s cross, Thiaw stretched for the ball and passed to Schmitt, who chested the ball, then turned and fired to the right post.
USF worked the ball around from side to side and found the opening to break through in the 55th minute. Avian Flanagan ran at Kubel and beat him to the end line. He connected his pass to Josue Monge for a simple finish.
“We should have executed better,” Meyer said. “Flanagan got to the line and put a cross across goal. I should have done better, and I think the defenders thought they should have done better as well.”
Both teams went forward in search of a winner but failed to convert, sending the game into overtime.
Izaiah Jennings had the best chance to win the game for the Cardinals in the 94th minute. He had an open look at the top of the box and fired, but Knight was able to tip the ball out for a corner.
Cherif Dieye had another golden opportunity for the winner, but his shot went just over the bar.
After redshirt freshman goalkeeper Jake Gelnovatch injured his finger in training, Will Meyer started his first game for the Cardinals.
“To be honest, I was a little nervous,” Meyer said. “I didn’t think I was going to be playing today. So to just come off the bench and start was awesome, but I feel for Jake. If that happened to me, I would be very disappointed.”
Louisville is on the road to take on Duke for their next match. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.
You can follow Jordan on Twitter @tlcjordanshim.
