Oct. 1, 2005
ORLANDO - Senior Jon Imran scored a pair of goals as UCF men's soccer team came back from a three-goal deficit to tie Marshall, 4-4, in a double overtime at the UCF Soccer Complex on Friday night. It was the Conference USA opener for both teams.
The Thundering Herd (2-5-1, 0-0-1 C-USA) got on the board with a quick goal off a high serve from 40 yards by senior Stanton Smith in the eighth minute. The visitors went up 2-0 in the 36th minute on an unassisted tally - again from 40 yards out - by freshman Dana Heimbecker.
UCF senior captain Billy Judino converted on a penalty kick to end the Golden Knights' scoring drought in the 52nd minute before senior Kirk Gibson and junior Karim Boukhemis each scored to give Marshall a 4-1 advantage.
Despite being down on the scoreboard, the Golden Knights (5-2-1, 0-0-1 C-USA) continued to pressure the ball. Freshman Jermaine Walters jumpstarted the offense in the 80th minute when cut that Herd's lead to two on his second goal in as many games.
Imran, who hit the crossbar earlier in the evening, netted his first goal with an assist from freshman Mike Mattson in the 83rd minute. He scored his second five minutes later on a header off a serve by freshman Jake Howard.
"Jon really showed courage tonight," said UCF head coach Brent Erwin. "He took the team on his back and played tremendously."
Marshall outshot the Golden Knights, 23-21, on the night, while the hosts held a 9-2 margin in corner kicks. UCF senior goalkeeper Ryan McIntosh tied his career high, making 13 saves. Greg Terhune had three for the Thundering Herd.
"Our team showed a lot of character coming back from being down 4-1," said Erwin. "It isn't an easy feat to accomplish in this game. The players really fought hard for the team tonight."
Next up, the Golden Knights host C-USA foe Kentucky (3-2-4, 0-0-1 C-USA) on Sunday at the UCF Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m.