TAMPA — In its first exhibition match of the season, the North Texas soccer team fell 2-0 at No. 18 South Florida Saturday night. 

The Mean Green (RV) created chances to score on the Bulls on what was a rain soaked and humid night but couldn't finish where as the nationally ranked USF squad took advantage of a couple UNT mistakes.

After giving up an early second minute goal off a corner, the Mean Green's defense buckled down and played a much tighter game limiting USF's chances. Late in the first half, freshman forward Allie Byrd had a chance to capitalize on a USF mistake but fired an open shot right at the keeper.

At the start of the second-half, North Texas' offense came out firing and put constant pressure on the Bulls' box but a couple missed open looks kept Mean Green behind.  

USF opened up the match in 65th minute when its 2018 all-American Evelyne  Viens found the back of the net and increased the Bulls lead to 2-0.

North Texas plays its final tune-up match on Sunday at UCF at 9 a.m. before returning home to Denton for the season opener on Thursday against Northwestern State.