St. John’s closed out its regular season schedule Saturday with a hard fought loss at the hands of the University of South Florida 2-0.

The loss dropped the Johnnies Big East record to 6-3-2, however, the Red Storm still retains a home game in the first round of the Big East Tournament against Seton Hall on Wednesday.

The contest proved to be very tightly played, particularly in the first half. Despite the emphasis on defense, USF was able to take the lead on what was the game’s first shot and first goal in the 39th minute.

Simon Schoendorf beat St. John’s keeper Neal Kitson from inside the box to give the Bulls a one-goal lead heading into the second half.

The Johnnies had a solid scoring chance in the 53rd minute as Michael Mingione was stopped by USF keeper Jeff Attinella.

St. John’s had another opportunity just three minutes later, when Omar Alfonso put one over the top of the net.

USF came back with a scoring chance in the 67th minute from Jordan Seabrook, and St. John’s had an opportunity of its own shortly after when Ben Clack put a shot over the net.

The Bulls were finally able to finish on an opportunity in the 76th minute as Kitson was beat from the top of the box off a shot from Jason Devenish.

The Red Storm manufactured a couple opportunities before the final minute, coming off efforts from Nelson Becerra, who registered a shot, and another from a corner kick in the 86th minute.

St. John’s will face Seton Hall on Nov. 7 after finishing tied for second place in the Red Division with Louisville, earning itself a first-round Big East Tournament home game.

Heading into the postseason, the Johnnies have now qualified for the Big East Tournament for 17 consecutive seasons and are currently ranked tenth in the NSCAA/adidas Northeast Regional rankings.