USF Men's Soccer Kicks Off Season at Home Against UNC Greensboro!
The USF men's soccer team hosts UNC Greensboro on August 28, 2025, at Al Lang Stadium after a strong start to the season.
USF Men's Soccer Kicks Off Season at Home Against UNC Greensboro!
Excitement is in the air for soccer fans in Florida as the University of South Florida (USF) men’s soccer team gears up for their home debut on August 28, 2025, at Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg. The Bulls have kicked off their season on a high note, boasting a record of 1-0-1 after a convincing 4-1 victory against Lipscomb. This impressive win, their first of the season, was marked by a standout performance from freshman defender Nicolas Pietrantonio, who scored two goals and earned accolades as the Defensive Player of the Week and Freshman of the Week by the American Athletic Conference. Pietrantonio also made his mark on TopDrawerSoccer’s Team of the Week, solidifying his status as a rising star in collegiate soccer.
This upcoming match against UNC Greensboro promises to be a thrilling encounter. The Spartans, currently standing at 2-0-0, are ranked No. 23 in the United Soccer Coaches poll and No. 38 in the NCAA RPI. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET, and fans are eager to witness how the Bulls will perform against their well-matched rivals. Historically, this will be the third face-off between these two teams; the Spartans took the first meeting in 2002 with a 4-3 win, while their last clash in 2008 ended in a 1-1 draw, with USF advancing via penalty kicks.
A Legacy of Success
The USF men’s soccer program carries a prestigious history that dates back to its inaugural season in 1965 under Coach Dan Holcomb. Within his 22 years of coaching, Holcomb guided the Bulls to an impressive record of 216–86–23 and helped secure seven NCAA tournament berths along with 15 combined conference titles. The legacy has continued through subsequent coaches, with notable achievements under names like Jay Miller and George Kiefer, who notably led the team to the Elite Eight on two occasions and 10 NCAA Tournaments overall.
In recent years, under coach Bob Butehorn, the team remains competitive, having made it to the NCAA tournament in 2019 and reaching the championship game of the conference tournament in 2022, where the Bulls triumphed in their first tournament game since 2012 against Hofstra. Each season, the commitment and talent of the athletes continue to forge a connection with the local community and an impressive track record of recognition; USF has produced 30 MLS draft picks and has alumni who have made significant impacts in professional soccer like Jeff Cunningham and Dom Dwyer.
The Soccer Landscape in Tampa Bay
The enthusiasm surrounding the Bulls is reflective of a larger trend within the Tampa Bay area as soccer continues to flourish. The Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA), established in 1974, boasts over 200 clubs and leagues across the state. Engaging more than 105,000 registered players and supporting over 20,000 coaches and officials, the FYSA plays a vital role in nurturing talent and growth within the sport. Additionally, the arrival of Major League Soccer (MLS) exhibitions has elevated soccer’s profile, making it a vital part of the regional sports culture.
As USF prepares for their home opener, the call for fans to fill the stands echoes louder than ever. Tickets are readily available, and supporters can secure their spots by calling 1-800-GoBulls or visiting USFBullsTix.com. With the Bulls aiming for another successful season, it’s a great time to be part of the vibrant soccer scene here in Florida.