April 4, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - The UCF men's soccer team will square off with its second professional team of this spring season on Monday when it plays host to the Puerto Rico Islanders. Match time is set for 12 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Complex. Admission is free and open to the public.
The Knights met Swedish First-Division team Malmo in early March. UCF allowed just one goal in each half against one of the top teams in Sweden. The Knights have shown a renewed work-ethic and energy this spring, which has resulted in strong improvement from each of its players.
"Our players are really looking forward to the opportunity to face another professional club, especially a team of the Islanders' stature," UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "They are a very well coached and organized team with a lot of great players. We are looking forward to building on some of the things we have been working on in practice over the last two weeks."
The Puerto Rico Islanders are a First-Division team in the United Soccer League. They finished the 2007 campaign with a 10-8-10 record and will begin their 2008 regular season on April 17. The Islanders are coached by Colin Clarke, who is known for being one of the best strikers in Northern Ireland history during the mid 1980s. Clarke, who has also served as head coach of FC Dallas, took over the Puerto Rico team midway through last season, turning around the team and leading it to the playoff semifinals.
Monday's match is the final tune-up for the Knights before hosting Alumni Weekend April 11-12. That weekend, UCF plays host to Warner Southern at 7 p.m. on April 11 before the alumni match at 11 a.m. April 12.
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.
UCF Men's Soccer Remaining Spring Schedule
April 7 Puerto Rico Islanders 12 p.m. Orlando, Fla.April 11 Warner Southern 7 p.m. Orlando, Fla.April 12 Alumni Game 11 a.m. Orlando, Fla.