Oct. 14, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - With a week between matches, the UCF men's soccer team utilized the time to refocus and work on the fundamentals before heading into the final month of regular-season play.
"We have dropped some games that we don't think we should have lost," said sophomore defender Akin Akinrinade (Merrillville, Ind./Merrillville HS). "We just need to refocus and this week is the best time to do it."
The Knights fell to 4-7-1 overall and 0-2-1 in Conference USA when they dropped a 3-2 decision at Florida International on Oct. 10. They return to action on Oct. 17, playing host to league rival Kentucky at the UCF Soccer Complex, giving the team time to improve upon any weaknesses and continue to develop its strengths.
"We've been working on our game strategy and moving the ball," said Akinrinade. "We are trying to make our game more diverse, so that our opponents are forced to second-guess how we play the ball."
Entering the weekend, UCF ranked second in the conference with 170 total shots, while junior co-captain Ryan Roushandel (Atlanta, Ga./Marist School) led all conference players with 44. Junior Mike Mattson (Boca Raton, Fla./Pope John Paul II HS) was also among the top 10 with 25.
"Offense is another thing we are addressing," said Mattson. "The chances are there, but we just aren't finishing."
With six matches, including five conference games, left on the schedule, UCF needs a strong finish in order to make its second consecutive appearance in the C-USA Tournament.
"We have to win all of our conference games at home and get results on the road as well," said Mattson. "The home games need to be wins and nothing less."
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