Sept. 23, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - After opening the Conference USA season with a victory Saturday, UCF (3-3-0) returns to non-conference action on Wednesday, hosting North Florida (3-4-0) for a 7 p.m. kickoff at the UCF Soccer Complex.
The Knights, winners of three of their past four games, have posted back-to-back 1-0 shutouts at Old Dominion and against Memphis.
"We definitely look to keep the momentum going," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "We look at this as a must-win home game against a very good UNF team."
UCF's success has been triggered by the play of their defense as well as freshman Kevan George (Decatur, Ga.). George has scored in three consecutive games for the Knights, including the game-winner in both of the last two victories.
Sophomore Sean Johnson (Lilburn, Ga.) and the defense have posted shutouts in all three of the Knights' victories this season. Johnson is currently first in C-USA in saves per game (5.83) and third in save percentage (.833) while also being ranked 12th nationally in saves per game.
"The guys in back have done a tremendous job of late. We have inserted senior captain Ryan Roushandel (Atlanta, Ga.) on defense and he responded with great play. With Ryan and Bryan [Collier] (Fayetteville, Ga.) in the back we have two experienced seniors playing alongside two talented freshmen, and they have proven to be a formidable group."
North Florida also enters riding a two-game winning streak after victories over Flagler and Georgia Southern. The Ospreys have tallied six goals in seven games this season, led by Adam O'Neil's two markers.
UCF leads the all-time series with UNF 2-1-0, but the Ospreys took a 3-2 decision in overtime a season ago.
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.