FGCU faced in-state rival USF in Tampa on Saturday, Sept. 19. After having their last match against Penn canceled due to weather, the Eagles were looking to end the Bulls home unbeaten streak, but FGCU fell short in a 2-1 loss.
With senior goalkeeper Nathan Ingham out with an ankle sprain, FGCU freshman Sawyer Jackman started his first game between the sticks for the Eagles. After a scoreless first half, there was a weather delay that extended the halftime break to more than an hour. Twenty minutes after the game resumed, the Bulls struck first with a goal by Melvin Becket. Six minutes later, the Eagles went soaring into the box when FGCU’s  Justin Gavin, making his debut, was taken down.
The referee awarded the Eagles a shot from the spot, which was converted by Albert Ruiz, who was also making his debut for the Eagles.
With 10 minutes left to play, the Eagles were searching for a late goal to win the game. In the 82nd minute, FGCU’s Rodrigo Saravia took down a USF player in the box, giving the Bulls a penalty kick. USF’s Nazeem Bartman stepped up and put the ball in the back of the net, giving the Bulls a 2-1 lead. The Bulls went on to win the game by that score, handing the Eagles their second loss of the season.
The Eagles will look to bounce back on Friday, Sept. 25, when they travel to Rhode Island to take on the Brown Bears.