Marquette and South Florida play to 1-1 Draw

Oct. 4, 2002

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TAMPA, Fla. - Marquette and South Florida played to a 1-1 tie at the USF Soccer Stadium. The Golden Eagles (9-2-1, 3-0-1 C-USA), who were playing their fourth conference match in eight days, suffered from fatigue late in the contest and couldn't score the go-ahead goal against South Florida (3-6-1).

Marquette got the first goal of the match, taking the lead for the 10th time this season. Senior forward Ashley Spakowitz (Hartland, Wis.) scored in a similar way to the first goal in MU's last match. She stole the ball from USF goalkeeper Breck Bankester and played the ball into the open net. On Wednesday, senior midfielder Anna Frisk (Rochester, N.Y.) scored MU's first goal against UAB after smothering a clearing pass from the UAB keeper and playing the ball to the open net.

The Bulls equalized just seven minute later on a goal from midfielder Tia Opliger. Midfielder Aleia Long was credited with the set-up. Opliger hit the shot into the upper right corner, away from MU keeper Ashleigh Koenig (Naperville, Ill.).

"One goal against should not mean we don't have a chance to win," Roeders said. "Maybe we lost some energy playing four games in eight days. Whatever the reason, you have to give some credit to South Florida. We battled hard on the road. Overall, I'm pleased with the effort, but a little disappointed in the result."

Marquette dominated the majority of the 110 minutes. MU took 17 shots and held South Florida to eight attempts. Koenig made three saves, while Bankester was forced to make seven.

With the tie, Marquette plays to its first draw in 41 matches - a 0-0 tie with Saint Louis on Oct. 15, 2000 being the last.

MU returns to action on Friday, Oct. 11 against 17th-ranked Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C. Match time is scheduled for 7 p.m.