Nov. 4, 2007
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - In a match that featured a combined 49 shots, the UCF men's soccer team posted a 0-0 tie vs. South Carolina Sunday. Goalkeeper Sean Johnson amassed a season-high 10 saves, including two in the second overtime, as the Black and Gold moved its record to 4-11-2 on the year and 0-5-2 in Conference USA.
"I thought we defended and attacked very well today, but we just weren't able to finish some of our chances," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "Sean played the best he's played all year. He rose to the challenge against a good South Carolina team and he kept us in that game. We knew today was a must-win situation for us, and our players left everything they had on the field."
South Carolina (9-5-2, 3-2-2), which is an affiliate member of C-USA in men's soccer, posted a 32-17 advantage in the shot department, but UCF held an 11-9 edge in corner kicks.
Early in the first half, UCF pressured South Carolina by getting into the box a few times but could not find a good look at the net. The Gamecocks then began to make Johnson work 14 minutes into the half, as Blake Brettschneider put two shots on target that Johnson turned aside each time. David Smith also ripped a shot from the right side four minutes later only to see Johnson punch it out of the box.
The UCF netminder returned with less than three minutes remaining in the first session. USC's Cory Lewis broke in all alone on the right side and fired a shot that Johnson was forced to make a diving save. The rebound sailed over to Daniel Upchurch, who was stationed in front about 15 yards out, and he cranked another shot that was destined for the back of the net. Johnson, however, recovered to make his second diving stop, tipping the ball just past the left post and across the end line to keep the match scoreless entering halftime.
The beginning of the second half became more of a defensive battle as each squad did not want to give up the crucial go-ahead goal. UCF did earn the best overall scoring chances, putting two shots on goal in the half, while Ryan Roushandel saw one of his shots from 23 yards out go just wide of the right post in the 70th minute.
Both programs went back and forth, firing off 15 shots in the two overtime periods, including eight by USC in the second OT. The goalies proved to be the difference, though, and Johnson finished with his second shutout of the season.
The Knights will now close out its 2007 season Friday with senior night vs. Marshall at 7 p.m.
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