Sept. 19, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - After beginning the season with five consecutive games away from home, UCF's men's soccer team will finally play its home opener Saturday at the UCF Soccer Complex, hosting Memphis at 7 p.m. The game will also serve as the Conference USA opener for both the Knights and the Tigers.
"I think we gained a lot from our difficult stretch to open the season, but it will be nice to be home," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "I know the players are excited that our fan base will get to see this young and talented team."
UCF enters the game with a 2-3-0 record this season. The Knights are coming off a 1-0 win at Old Dominion last Sunday. Freshman Kevan George (Decatur, Ga.) scored his second goal of the season in the 61st minute and sophomore goalkeeper Sean Johnson (Lilburn, Ga.) recorded his second shutout of the season.
Johnson will look to continue his solid play in goal for the Knights. The sophomore is currently eighth in the nation in saves with 33, a number that is tops in C-USA. George is the lone Knight with multiple goals through five games.
Having lost four consecutive games entering Saturday, Memphis is 1-5-0 on the season. The Tigers have been shut out three times this season, and four of their five goals scored were in a 4-3 victory over Oral Roberts on August 31.
Memphis has a pair of players with two goals this season in Brian Farrell and Thomas Shannon. Michael Goodlett has made five starts in goal and has a 1.78 goals against average.
"The conference opener is always an important game," said Cunningham. "Both teams will want to get that victory and get off to a good start. Memphis has played a tough schedule of games and they will come here ready to compete, and it will be up to our players to rise to the occasion."
The Tigers hold a 3-1-1 record in the all-time series against the Knights. Last season, UCF battled to a 1-1 double overtime tie in Memphis.
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.