SAN ANTONIO — UTSA soccer and coach Derek Pittman faced South Florida for the fifth time, competing for their first win after three straight losses. Despite that history, the Roadrunners entered the match with visible energy and confidence, looking determined to change the narrative. A decisive second-half header from senior captain and defender Kameron Kloza proved to be the difference in giving UTSA a 2-1 victory over the University of South Florida on Thursday at Park West Athletics Complex.
“It’s extremely satisfying. Most importantly, because our players believed in the game plan and went out and executed it exceptionally well. That’s what gives me a tremendous amount of pride and satisfaction — that this team is believing, taking on the information and doing it on one of the biggest stages against a really tough opponent,” Pittman said after the match.
The game opened with intensity, both sides fighting to establish control of possession. UTSA (7-2-5, 3-0-3 AC) earned the first shot of the match from senior forward Izzy Lane, and quickly followed with a corner kick from the right side. In the first 10 minutes, the ‘Runners produced three shots, one corner and committed two fouls — showing early attacking intent.
By the 20th minute, the game had settled into a back-and-forth rhythm. While South Florida (6-7-1, 2-3-1 AC) held a slight edge in possession — 55% to UTSA’s 45% — the Roadrunners generated more dangerous opportunities, pressing higher than usual and forcing turnovers in midfield. The first yellow card of the match came against UTSA senior defender Haley Lopez after a physical challenge in the center of the pitch.
As the half went on, the Bulls began to push forward, creating a few close calls near the 35th minute. But UTSA’s defense held firm — and the home side’s persistence paid off moments before halftime. In the 44th minute, junior forward Michelle Polo delivered a crucial goal, controlling a cross from freshman forward Brooklyn Bailey, taking a composed touch and striking a perfect volley into the far corner. The ball sailed past the keeper, marking UTSA’s first-ever goal against South Florida and giving the Roadrunners a 1–0 lead at the break.
UTSA carried that momentum into the second half, playing with confidence and control. The ‘Runners earned an early corner and a quick shot from Polo in the 50th minute, signaling their intent to stay on the front foot. South Florida, however, refused to back down, testing UTSA’s backline with several early chances as both teams traded attacks.
While the Bulls began to dictate more of the tempo, UTSA’s defense remained composed under pressure. The back line and goalkeeper stood tall, clearing multiple crosses and blocking close-range shots. Despite allowing South Florida several opportunities, the Roadrunners continued to threaten on the counterattack, creating chances of their own.
In the 77th minute, UTSA doubled its lead off a set piece. Lane delivered a precise corner kick that found the head of Kloza, who looped the ball over the goalkeeper and into the net. The goal marked a crucial insurance strike in the match.
“It feels amazing,” Kloza said. “We worked together as a team to get this win, and it’s even better that this is the first time winning against USF — let alone scoring on them twice. We’re known for our grittiness, and tonight we showed it by not backing down and protecting Park West.”
The Bulls responded late, pulling one back when Selma Astrom capitalized on a loose ball inside the box after a setup from Keito Ido. Though the scrappy finish gave South Florida a lifeline, UTSA’s defensive discipline held through the final minutes. The Roadrunners’ sharp execution on both ends sealed a 2–1 victory — their first ever over South Florida.
“It’s nice to know we’re in that hunt, in that conversation,” Pittman said. “South Florida’s a very successful program, and this win gives our players even more belief in what we’re doing — that we can compete with tough teams like this.”
UTSA will next face The University of Tulsa at 1 p.m. Sunday at Hurricane Soccer & Track Stadium.
