Sept. 2, 2005
ORLANDO - A goal by sophomore forward Adham Rashwan was all the offense UCF needed as the Golden Knights blanked Lafayette, 1-0, in their season opener at the UCF Kickoff Classic on Friday night.
UCF (1-0) controlled the match early, earning three successive corner kicks in the first 15 minutes of play. Freshman Mike Mattson got a chance to put the hosts ahead on the third opportunity but the shot was saved by Leopard (0-1) goalkeeper Mike Tortora.
Rashwan's tally came in the 22nd minute. Senior captain Billy Judino crossed the ball to the Rashwan, who was streaking through the box and knocked the shot behind Tortora. It marked the 15th assist of Judino's career, which ties him for ninth all-time at UCF.
The Knights continued to own the contest territorially until Lafayette gained momentum in the final 15 minutes of the half. UCF senior goalkeeper Ryan McIntosh preserved the lead with three impressive saves.
In the second half, the Golden Knights continued to pressure the Leopards as UCF held a 7-1 advantage in shots and a 7-2 favor in corner kicks. The Black & Gold finished the night with a 9-4 margin in shots and a 10-4 advantage in corner kicks.
McIntosh made four saves en route to his 19th career shutout, while Tortora had three.
"Lafayette was a very good, very well-coached team," said Erwin. "I was proud of the way our players performed tonight. The first half was very intense. We had to make some changes at the intermission, but they adjusted well. It was extremely important for us to earn a win like this early in the season."
In the tournament's first match, Central Connecticut (1-0) edged Stetson, 2-1, behind goals from Ben Howe and Alex Harrison. Mauricio Ruiz scored the lone goal for the Hatters (0-1).
The UCF Kickoff Classic continues on Sunday at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Golden Knights take on CCSU at noon followed by Stetson and Lafayette at 2:15 p.m.