Sept. 28, 2007
Men's Soccer Notes at Saint Louis in PDF Format
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ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF men's soccer team finishes the month of September much like they started - on the road as the Knights (4-3-1) visit No. 15 Saint Louis (3-1-2) on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. It marks the team's sixth contest played away from home this season.
The Knights gained some confidence and momentum heading into the match against the Billikens when they captured the UCF Fall Classic title at home last weekend. Ryan Roushandel (Atlanta, Ga./Marist School) netted a pair of game-winners to lead UCF to a 3-2 win over the College of Charleston and a 2-1 victory over Wofford. The effort earned the junior midfielder a spot on the Top Drawer Soccer Team of the Week. He currently tops all Conference USA players in shots (33) and game-winning goals (3) and leads UCF's offense with five goals.
As a team, the Knights are also among the top two teams in the league in several categories, including shots (116) and saves (40).
At No. 15 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America/adidas® national poll, the Billikens are the highest ranked opponent that the Knights have faced this fall. Saint Louis enters the weekend on a three-game winning streak that included a 2-1 victory over No.2 Indiana on Sept. 15.
Five different players have contributed to the SLU offense with juniors Dado Hamzagic and Kyle Patterson leading all players with two goals each. Sophomore goalkeeper Ross Kaufman has made 15 saves and registered a 0.65 goals-against-average in five matches.
The game is part of Saint Louis' homecoming celebration, but the UCF coaching staff, which includes assistant coach and SLU graduate Paul Nagy, has stressed the importance of staying in the game.
"It is going to be imperative for our players to keep their focus and not be distracted by all of the events surrounding the game," said UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham. "Saint Louis is a very good team that works hard. They are actually similar to some of the other opponents we've played thus far this fall."
Saturday's match is the first meeting ever between the two schools.
The Knights return home for a mid-week match-up against another new opponent as they host 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.