Sept. 14, 2008
NORFOLK, Va. (www.ucfathletics.com) - For the second-straight game, freshman Kevan George scored a second-half goal for the UCF men's soccer team. On Sunday afternoon, his 62nd minute strike proved to be the difference as the Knights defeated host Old Dominion 1-0 in the finale of the ODU STIHL Soccer Classic. UCF improved to 2-3-0 with the win while ODU fell to 2-3-1 this season.
"I am just extremely proud of the boys' efforts and attitudes," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "From the time they woke up they felt good about themselves and the game plan. They are really buying into the system and it showed today."
After allowing three goals in a 3-1 loss to William & Mary on Friday, sophomore Sean Johnson and the UCF defense bounced back with a strong performance against the Monarchs, the 2007 Colonial Athletic Association regular season and tournament champions. The shutout was Johnson's second of the season and the fourth of his young career.
In the 62nd minute, George broke the scoreless tie when he took a long throw in from Cameron Cooksey and headed it past ODU keeper Brennan Kirkpatrick to the far post for the eventual game-winner. It was George's second goal of his career and both the first collegiate assist and point for Cooksey.
Old Dominion had opportunities to get back into the game after George's tally, firing six shots in the last 30 minutes alone, but the UCF defense stopped every scoring chance, including three saves by Johnson.
In the opening half of play, the Monarchs held a 5-3 shot edge, but UCF had the best scoring opportunity in the 40th minute. Freshman Joe Crowley ripped a shot, but the ball hit off the post and away from the goal.
ODU outshot UCF 15-6 in the game with Johnson making five saves for the shutout.
George was joined on the ODU STIHL Soccer Classic All-Tournament team by senior defender Bryan Collier and sophomore Yaron Bacher. It is the second time this season Collier has been named to an all-tournament team.
"Ryan Roushandel stepped into the back line and showed his true leadership," said Cunningham. "His play on the defensive side of the ball really led us to victory. Kevan played really well as did the whole midfield for us. It is a good win against a very well organized and well coached team on the road."
Having completed a five-game season-opening stretch of games away from home, the Knights return to the UCF Soccer Complex for their season opener on Saturday, Sept. 20. UCF will host Memphis at 7 p.m. in a game that will also open Conference USA play for the Knights.
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.
Men's Soccer Game Summary (Final)
UCF (2-3-0) vs Old Dominion (2-3-1)
Norfolk, Va.
Date: Sep 14, 2008 Attendance: 468
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
UCF........................ 0 1 - 1
Old Dominion............... 0 0 - 0
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 61:33 UCF George, Kevan (2) (Cameron Cooksey) - header off a long throw-in beat the keeper to the far post
Shots: UCF 6, ODU 15
Saves: UCF 5 (Sean Johnson 5), ODU 1 (Brennan Kirkpatrick 1)
Corner kicks: UCF 4, ODU 5
Offsides: UCF 1, ODU 4
Fouls: UCF 4, ODU 3