Box Score Greenville, S.C. – South Florida netted its first goal of the season less than 27 minutes into the match and held on to down Furman, 1-0, in the women's soccer season opener for both schools Thursday evening on Seagraves Field at Stone Soccer Stadium.
 
Sadie Sider-Echenberg took a centering pass from Hedda Ornberg and lined a shot from the top of the box to the right-hand corner at the 26:24 mark following a turnover in the midfield to put the Bulls in front. USF goalkeeper Leire Herraez Gallach smothered Jenny Jacobson's goal-bound shot moments later and substitute keeper Gaby Rourke turned away Furman's Briyah Drayton on a point-blank shot in the 59^th minute to help preserve the USF victory and the clean sheet. 
 
"South Florida is a very good, very disciplined, and very athletic team," said Paladin coach Andrew Burr. "I thought we played well overall and got some key experience for a lot of players. The key now with Thursday and Sunday matches this week is rest, recovery, and getting our legs back under us ahead of the Georgia State game. Georgia State has a good team, and we are looking forward to testing ourselves once again."
 
Celebrating her birthday on Thursday, Furman goalkeeper Reese DeJong notched seven saves, including three diving stops to keep the Paladins in the match. Rourke finished the match with three saves while Gallach stopped two shots to earn the victory for the Bulls.
 
South Florida posted a 15-7 edge in total shot attempts and finished with a 9-5 edge in shots on goal. Drayton registered two shots on goal for the Paladins with one apiece from Jacobson, Jaleah Simmons, and Maddie Massie.
 
Furman continues its four-match homestand on Sunday when it hosts Georgia State. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. and admission is free.
 
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