Aug. 29, 2008
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Known last year for its late-game heroics, the No. 29 UCF women's soccer team was at it again Friday in a 1-0 victory at No. 19 Florida. Junior striker Yvonne George scored in the 84th minute, and freshman keeper Aline Reis accumulated eight saves to bring the Knights' record to 1-1-0 on the season.
"Whenever you play a big in-state rival, it's always an important game. To give Florida its first home-opening loss in program history is obviously something these girls can be proud of," said head coach Amanda Cromwell. "After we lost to Florida State, 5-0, we really pushed this team hard all week and challenged them a lot. Although we weren't perfect tonight, it was a complete team effort. But Florida's a good team and they will win a lot of games this year."
Although UCF trailed in shots, 17-6, its final shot of the match proved to be the difference, as Florida saw its record fall to 1-1-1 this season. For Reis, it was her second career collegiate contest and her first shutout.
"Aline had a great game for us tonight," said associate head coach Colby Hale. "The back four did a fantastic job of putting into effect what we had worked on all week. The midfield held the ball well, and the forwards were very active. We're now 2-1-1 against UF in our last four matches, and I hope we continue this momentum throughout the year."
Reis faced three shots on net in the first half and turned them all aside, helping the Knights reach halftime in a 0-0 deadlock. Florida then came out after the break by pressuring the UCF defense, ripping off nine unanswered shots. Reis remained strong, though, making four saves during that stretch.
Eventually, the use of different formations compared to Aug. 25 vs. No. 4 Florida State began paying off for the Black and Gold on Friday. Senior Danielle Dos Santos and junior Brianna Schooley each had a late scoring chance, and in the 84th minute, George finally sealed the win. Watching one of UF's center back's give up possession, freshman Stacie Hubbard played the ball perfectly to George who went one-on-one with goalkeeper Katie Fraine and hit the back of the net from 12 yards out.
After two-straight road contests to open the season, UCF kicks off the home schedule Sunday when it hosts Hartford at 1 p.m. Admission is free to the UCF Soccer Complex.
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.
Postgame Notes
No. 29 UCF - 1
No. 19 Florida - 0
UCF (1-1-0): Yvonne George (83:01), assisted by Stacie Hubbard
UF (1-1-1): No scoring
-UCF and Florida had a stretch of 237:16 with neither team scoring a goal. That streak included a 2005 meeting in Orlando and last year's 0-0 draw in Gainesville.
-This season marked the fourth-straight year UCF played its first two matches on the road.
-The Knights opened the 2008 campaign with a loss at No. 4 Florida State. FSU took on No. 9 Penn State Friday and cruised to a 4-1 win.
-UCF now trails in the all-time series against Florida, 9-2-1. However, the Knights are 2-1-1 in their last four meetings.