TAMPA, Fla. – The No. 23 University of Tampa Spartans will face off against the University of South Florida Bulls at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday night in the annual Rowdies Cup. USF controls the Rowdies Cup after edging past the Spartans 3-2 last year. This will be the second preseason exhibition for UT following Thursday night’s contest against Saint Anselm. The match on Thursday, a scoreless draw, was suspended after one half due to lightning. 

The Matchup: No. 23 University of Tampa Spartans (2017: 9-4-3, SSC 6-2-2) vs. University of South Florida Bulls (2017: 6-6-4, AAC: 3-2-2)

About the Spartans: UT has 21 newcomers on the squad, and this will be the last exhibition before the season opener against West Florida on August 31. The Spartans finished the season at No. 25 after winning the Sunshine State Conference tournament and advanced to the NCAA South Regional. Junior goalkeeper Jake Richards returns in net after having a successful 2017 campaign in which he compiled a 7-2-3 record. Head coach Adrian Bush is in his 14th season and has led UT to back-to-back postseason berths.  

About the Bulls: USF was voted to finish fourth in the American Athletic Conference preseason poll and they are receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches preseason poll. South Florida has 16 returning players, two of which have been named to preseason all-conference team. Christian Knight, a transfer from UT, was voted The American Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year by the AAC coaches. Knight played and started 11 contests and led the AAC in saves per game. Adrian Billhardt was the second player voted to the preseason all-conference team. He was a standout last season, earning first team all-conference honors as well as being named The American 2017 Rookie of the Year.  

Inside the Rowdies Cup: It will be the 33rd matchup in the cross-town series, USF holds a 20-9-3 advantage. Previously known as the Mayors Cup, the rivalry became the Rowdies Cup in 2005. The series originated in 1972 and the two programs played 16-straight seasons from 1977-1992. USF head coach Bob Butehorn graduated from UT in 1985 and was a member of the 1981 national championship team. 

Location: Pepin Stadium || Tampa, Fla. || 417 North Boulevard, Tampa, Fla. 33606

Alumni Match: Beginning at 5 p.m., the Tampa Bay rivals will have alumni of the respective programs compete in a friendly competition to bring back old memories. The alumni will play two 25-minute halves. 

Parking: Available parking will be located across the street from Pepin Stadium at the West parking garage. 

Tickets: You can purchase tickets at the front gate at Pepin Stadium, Adults $10.00, Kids under 17 $5.00.

Follow the men’s soccer coverage on Twitter @tampaspartans and visit tampaspartans.com for more information.

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