Sept. 23, 2007
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ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) -Junior Ryan Roushandel (Atlanta, Ga./Marist School) scored his second game-winning goal in as many matches to give the UCF men's soccer team a 2-1 win over Wofford on a rain-soaked Sunday afternoon at the UCF Soccer Complex. With the victory, the Knights improved to 4-3-1 on the season and earned the UCF Fall Classic title, while Wofford dropped to 2-4-1.
"The goal going into the weekend was to win both games," said UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham, whose Knights also won the TLC Plumbing and Utility Invitational in New Mexico earlier in the month. "This is our second tournament victory of the year and it helps lend our players some confidence as we enter the mid-point in our season."
Inclement weather forced a delay in the opening kickoff and a later 20-minute stoppage before halftime, but the two teams continued to battle despite the rain. In the 43rd minute, freshman Armin Kindgadner gave Wofford a 1-0 advantage off a free kick that sailed into the top left corner of the net.
UCF evened the contest at 1-1 when junior Chris Andaur (Naples, Fla./Barron Collier HS) served the ball to freshman Matt Luzunaris (Fort Lauderdale, Fla./West Boca Raton HS). Luzunaris flicked a header past Terrier goalkeeper Joey Taylor in the 63rd minute.
In the 84th minute, senior James Georgeff (New Castle, Australia) crossed the ball to Roushandel, who sent a shot into the far right corner. It was Roushandel's third game-deciding tally of the season and second of the tournament as he also netted the game-winner against the College of Charleston on Friday night.
The Knights outshot Wofford 22-10 in the match, including a 16-2 margin in the second half. UCF freshman goalkeeper Sean Johnson (Lilburn, Ga./Brookwood HS) made five saves, while Taylor had seven for the Terriers.
"Wofford really made us earn the win," said Cunningham. "They are an organized and disciplined team. It was up to us to persevere and push through in order to get the result.
Sunday's earlier match between Stetson and the College of Charleston was cancelled due to the inclement weather and the NCAA rule regarding time limits and suspension of play.
The Knights return to action when they visit No. 14 Saint Louis on Saturday, Sept. 29. UCF's next home match is against Charlotte on Wednesday, Oct. 3 at 7 p.m.
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 pics.