Sept. 21, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Coming off an emotional 2-2 tie vs. Miami Sept. 19, the UCF women's soccer team faces another in-state rival when it hosts No. 11 Florida State to the UCF Soccer Complex Saturday at 7 p.m. Admission is free to see the Knights battle an FSU team that advanced to the NCAA College Cup semifinals a year ago.
The match coincides with the UCF football game at Memphis, which begins at 3:30 p.m. at Bright House Networks Stadium, next to the soccer field. Fans who are leaving the football contest are invited to help "Pack the House" at the UCF Soccer Complex and help the Knights try to upset the Seminoles. For those who are preparing to attend just the soccer match should plan ahead of time to avoid traffic problems.
UCF, ranked No. 10 in the SoccerBuzz Southeast Region poll, pulled out a draw vs. the Hurricanes to open up its five-game homestand Wednesday after sophomore Courtney Whidden (Palm Harbor, Fla.) scored with just 2.8 seconds left in regulation. The tie moved the Knights' record to 4-2-1 on the season.
Whidden continues to pace the UCF offense, notching six goals for the 2007 season, including two game-winners. Sophomore Becca Thomas (Burlington, Wash.), who set up Whidden's tying goal vs. UM, has two goals and five helpers for nine total points. As a team, the Black and Gold has outscored opponents 12-8.
In goal, senior Jennifer Manis (Pensacola, Fla.) has played all 636:14 minutes for the Knights and boasts a 1.13 goals-against average. She also has 34 saves on the year.
The Seminoles (5-2-0) own a 6-2-0 all-time advantage over UCF and have won the last two meetings by scores of 3-0 in 2005 and 2-0 in 2006. FSU has lost twice to ranked opponents this season, falling at No. 4 Portland and at No. 14 Florida, both by 2-1 scores. But in their six victories, the Seminoles have registered 34 goals compared to giving up just one.
Florida State claims the nation's leading goal and point scorer in junior Mami Yamaguchi, who has already posted 12 goals and five assists for 29 points. Her 12 tallies have come on just 19 shots on goal. Senna Talonen (6-3--15) and Erika Sutton (4-2--10) also have collected double-digit point totals. Erin McNulty has started all seven matches and has a 0.92 GAA with 16 saves.
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.