Aug. 14, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Closing in on the season-opener Aug. 22, the UCF women's soccer team continues its preseason with an exhibition match at USF Saturday at 4 p.m. It will be the only scrimmage for the Knights, as they are preparing for a very tough regular-season schedule in 2008.
Saturday's contest will be a perfect opportunity for several Knights to get their first taste of Division I competition. This year's squad consists of 10 newcomers, including eight freshmen. It also will allow the coaching staff to get a look at its goalkeepers, who will be trying to replace Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Jennifer Manis.
UCF is set to kick off the 2008 campaign with a trip to Tallahassee to take on No. 4 Florida State Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. It then heads to Gainesville for an NCAA Tournament Second Round rematch against No. 20 Florida Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. The Black and Gold tied both teams last season.
The home opener takes place Aug. 31 vs. Hartford at 1 p.m., while another highlight on this year's home schedule is a Sept. 14 rumble vs. No. 19 Illinois at 12 p.m.
The Knights are coming off a 15-4-4 season with a share of the C-USA regular-season title and their 12th trip to the NCAA Tournament. USF went 4-10-3 in 2007, with three of those victories coming against Big East opponents.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to www.UCFAthletics.com - the official site for UCF varsity sports. The site, which also contains ticket and Golden Knights Club donor information, is also the home of UCF's new online apparel store. Also visit www.UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.