Sept. 22, 2005
ORLANDO -Senior captain Billy Judino recorded a goal and an assist as the UCF men's soccer team edged Florida Atlantic, 2-1, at the UCF Soccer Complex on Thursday night.
The Golden Knights (4-2) played well in the opening 20 minutes of the first half as they earned several scoring chances on six unanswered shots.
In the 24th minute, the Owls (3-5) capitalized on a corner kick by sophomore midfielder Diego Monsalve, who served it into the box where classmate Walter Yoder beat UCF senior keeper Ryan McIntosh.
"We had some great chances to score in the first 20 minutes," said the Knights' first-year head coach Brent Erwin. "We just couldn't finish. In the second 20 minutes, we lost our way."
UCF found the path again and reversed its fortunes in the opening three minutes of the second half when freshman Mike Mattson connected on a corner kick by Judino for his second goal of the year. The assist moved Judino into eighth place for most assists in a career with 18.
Judino then gave the Golden Knights the lead in the 63rd minute. Junior Alejandro Gessen played a through ball to Judino, who broke past the FAU defense and scored low to the right side.
FAU continued to pressure the UCF defense and forced McIntosh to come up with five saves in the final 30 minutes. The senior keeper made nine saves on the night.
"The guys were ready to win," said Erwin. "We scored two very good goals and had the chance to get more. The team played with courage tonight."
The Golden Knights outshot the Owls by a 14-13 margin, while FAU had a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks. Florida Atlantic goalkeeper Anders Granstad made four saves in the loss.
After enjoying a six-game homestand, UCF hits the road for the first time this season when the team visits North Florida for a 7 p.m. match on Sept. 22.