TAMPA, Fla. (September 6, 2026) – The University of South Florida men’s soccer team was defeated by UTRGV in its first-ever matchup against them. The Bulls (1-4-0) fell to the Vaqueros (2-0-1) in full time, 5-0.
UTRGV scored its first of five goals just 24 seconds in. The Vaqueros outshot the Bulls 15-9 on the night, and 8-1 in shots on goal. Elias Taj scored two goals and earned two assists on the night for UTRGV.
South Florida’s Geoffrey Oyaka received a second yellow card, therefore receiving a red card in the 30th minute. South Florida played the remainder of the match with 10 players. Pedro Faife also received a yellow card, his in the 44th minute.
Eric Axtman got his first start in goal for South Florida. Axtman played all 90 minutes, making three saves on the night.
Note-A-Bulls:
Eric Axtman made his first start in goal for South Florida, playing all 90 minutes in goal and making three saves.
South Florida is now 0-1-0 against UTRGV all-time.
UP NEXT
The Bulls head on the road for the second time this season, traveling to Birmingham, Alabama, to face UAB. The match is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET and will be streamed on ESPN+.
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About South Florida Men’s Soccer
The oldest varsity athletic program at South Florida, men’s soccer competed in the school’s first-ever intercollegiate athletic contest on Sept. 25, 1965, beating Florida Southern 4-3.
The Bulls have claimed 14 conference championships and made 22 NCAA Tournament appearances, including three trips to the Elite Eight. The program boasts 31 MLS draft picks, including two-time MLS Golden Boot winner Jeff Cunningham, 1994 World Cup Team USA star Roy Wegerle, and 2013 MLS Cup winner Dom Dwyer. Three men’s soccer alumni and one coach have been inducted into the South Florida Athletics Hall of Fame: Fergus Hopper, Jeff Attinella, Jeff Cunningham & Dan Holcomb.
On Dec. 10, 2025, head coach George Kiefer was hired for his second tenure at South Florida. Kiefer previously led the Bulls from 2002-16, compiling one of the most successful stretches in program history as the Bulls went 162-86-51 (.627), earned four conference championships, and made 10 NCAA Tournament appearances. Under Kiefer, South Florida advanced to the NCAA Elite Eight in 2008 and 2011. His six NCAA Tournament victories remain the most in program history, and his win total ranks second all-time among South Florida head coaches.