Sept. 9, 2006
LAS VEGAS - A pair of second half goals by senior Roberta Pelarigo (Sao Paulo, Brazil) lifted the UCF women's soccer team over host UNLV, 3-2, at the UNLV Invitational late Friday night.
The win extended the Golden Knights' unbeaten streak to four matches and improved the team's record to 3-1-1. The Rebels suffered their first home loss in seven games dating back to last season and fell to 2-2-1.
UNLV opened scoring in the first half when junior Jessica Destito scored off a corner kick in the 23rd minute with assists to junior Katie Carney and senior Tanya Roberts. An own goal by the Rebels in the 32nd minute tied the game at 1-1 as a ball served into the box was deflected twice by two Rebel defenders before sailing into the goal.
Just over three minutes later, UNLV freshman Taylor Fuentes countered on a shot that sailed into the top right corner of the goal.
Although UCF was held to just three shots in the second half, it made them count. The first shot from junior Kate Begley (Hatfield, Pa./North Penn HS) was deflected out by UNLV sophomore goalkeeper Ciera Nero, but the ball came out right to Pelarigo, who found the back of the net in the 64th minute. Pelarigo then scored the game-winner in the 82nd minute, taking a long cross from the right side from senior Kate McCain (St. Petersburg Beach, Fla./Lakewood HS), and shooting to the far right corner past the diving Nero.
UNLV owned a 9-7 advantage in shots but was limited to only two in the second half. The Rebels held a 4-3 margin in corner kicks. Nero finished with two saves in goal, while junior Jennifer Manis (Pensacola, Fla./Washington HS) recorded four saves for the Golden Knights.
The Golden Knights conclude play in the UNLV Invitational against Arizona State on Sunday, Sept. 10 at 2 p.m. then travel to Florida State on Wednesday, Sept. 13 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The match against the Seminoles is scheduled to be broadcast live on Sun Sports.
For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF athletics.