Nov. 5, 2004
ORLANDO - After winning their second consecutive Atlantic Sun regular season championship with a win over Jacksonville on Thursday, the UCF men's soccer team returns home for their finale against Florida International on Sunday at 1 p.m.
The Golden Knights (8-5-2) and the Golden Panthers (8-5-0) have met for UCF's finale in each of the last four years. In 2002 and 2003, they played twice - once in the regular season and once in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. FIU has won the last five matches, while UCF's last victory came in 1999.
Whether UCF wins or loses the game, the battle between the two teams continues to aid the Golden Knights in capturing the A-Sun tournament crown, a feat they would like duplicate for the third consecutive year.
UCF must rely heavily on its defense and goalkeeping into order to come up with a victory on Sunday. Junior goalkeeper Ryan McIntosh stopped a combined 14 shots in the previous two meeting between the two squads. He has been enjoying another impressive year and started his 57 consecutive match in net at Jacksonville. The 1-0 victory over the Dolphins, who defeated FIU by a score of 2-0 late last month, was his fifth shutout this season and the 16th of his career. McIntosh has a 1.00 goals-against-average and has made 74 saves in 15 matches this year.
While defense wins games, it can't accomplish the victory alone. The Golden Knights have put up 23 goals this season, but eight of their 15 matches have been decided by one goal. The duo of juniors Jon Imran and Billy Judino have combined for 12 of the Knights' goals. Judino, whose goals have come more often on set pieces, made the move to defense in the past month leaving his teammates to fill in the hole at forward.
Florida International has some prolific scorers in Fernando Plentz and David Hope. The two have combined for 11 goals, while Jared Rose and Carron Williams each add four of their own. FIU has outscored opponents by a 29-19 margin with most coming in the second half.
Shawn Crowe has been the Golden Panthers keeper for 12 of the 13 matches this season. He boasts a 1.62 GAA but has seen only 58 shots on goal with 39 saves.
Tickets for UCF men's soccer matches are available at the gate. Prices are $4 for adults, $2 for children (Ages 6-17) and seniors (Ages 55+). Children five and under and UCF students will valid ID are admitted free of charge. Fans are reminded that due to construction around the UCF Arena and UCF Soccer Complex they should park in the dirt lot on the South side of Gemini Blvd.