Feb. 15, 2006
BRADENTON - The UCF men's soccer team fell to Real Salt Lake of Major League Soccer, 4-0, at IMG Soccer Academy on Tuesday night.
Freshman Mike Mattson gave UCF the chance to go up 1-0 in the match, but his crossing shot went wide. RLS instead took a one-goal lead into the intermission.
After UCF sophomore Oscar Ortiz attempted to tie the game early in the second period, Real Salt Lake grabbed the 2-0 advantage then added further insurance by scoring two goals in the final five minutes of play.
Junior Brian Pope and sophomore Marcus Rein again split goalkeeping duties for UCF with Rein starting the first half.
Real Salt Lake started its younger players in the opening half, but replaced them with some more experienced first team members in the second period.
"I thought we played very well given the challenge presented to us, especially in the second half," said UCF head coach Brent Erwin. "It was a real learning experience for all of our players. I have to thank Real Salt Lake for giving us the opportunity."
The Golden Knights continue their spring training schedule with a match against Swedish team GAIS (www.gais.se) of the Allsvenskan Division in Orlando on Friday at 7 p.m. as part of the 2006 Alumni Weekend festivities.