Sept. 2, 2007
Final Stats in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (www.ucfathletics.com) - In a match that the UCF women's soccer team proved that it belonged with some of the top programs in the country this season, No. 7 Penn State scored a late goal to slip past the Knights, 1-0, in the First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic Sunday. The loss to PSU (1-1), which advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament a year ago, dropped the Black and Gold's record to 1-1.
"The back four of Nikki Moore, Kelsey Kravec, Christina Petrucco and Arielle Orr played fantastic," said head coach Amanda Cromwell. "And Jennifer Manis only had to make two saves and much of that was due to their outstanding defending and coverage of our midfield. And on the attacking side, we executed the game plan we wanted and created 12 shots. On any given day we would usually get a goal out of that and we were unlucky not to."
UCF finished the match with 12 shots compared to Penn State's 10. Becca Thomas, Hanna Wilde and Yvonne George led the way for the Knights with three shots apiece. Manis completed her afternoon in net with two saves, 14 for the tournament, as the defense in front of her allowed just three PSU shots on goal.
"The one thing we did a lot better today compared to Friday (a 2-1 win over Minnesota) was that we competed very well. We were physical and tough all game long," said Cromwell. "We were winning a lot of head balls and that was a big difference from Friday and we are very encouraged going into next weekend based on how we played today."
Even though the Nittany Lions brought in a No. 7 national ranking, it was UCF that earned more scoring chances in the first half, outshooting PSU 6-3 for the first 45 minutes. Neither team, however, could get on the board before the break.
The second half proved to be a test for both teams as the defenses stepped up in a big way. In all, from the 57:40 mark to 70:04, a span of 12:22, neither squad could register a shot. But in the 72nd minute, Penn State grabbed the lead when Aubrey Aden-Buie hit the net from 15 yards out against Manis.
With time winding down, Thomas was able to rip two shots on goal, one in the 75th minute and the second in the 85th minute. PSU goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher turned them both aside, though, to secure the one-goal victory.
The First Tennessee Lady Vol Classic All-Tournament Team was announced after the host lady Volunteers defeated Minnesota in the final match of the event. In all, UCF earned three spots with Manis, Orr and George representing the Knights on the team.
The Knights return home to continue the regular season when they host the UCF Invitational. The Black and Gold will face UNLV on the first day of action Sept. 7 at 7:30 p.m., while taking on UC Davis to complete the weekend Sept. 9 at 1:30 p.m. Admission is free to all matches at the UCF Soccer Complex.
For the latest news and information on the Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. Also check out UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.