Sept. 7, 2008
DeLand, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Freshman Joe Crowley broke a scoreless tie with a goal in the 85th minute Sunday night, lifting visiting UCF to a 1-0 victory over Stetson in men's non-conference soccer action in DeLand, Fla. The Knights improved to 1-2 on the season with the victory while Stetson falls to 2-1.
With the game still scoreless after 84-plus minutes of action, Crowley found the ball at his feet on a breakaway. The freshman delivered, beating Stetson keeper Marc Galizia to the far post from 18 yards out with a left-footed bullet. The marker was the first collegiate goal for Crowley, playing in just his third game. The Chadds Ford, Pa. native had reentered the contest just six minutes earlier.
"He got an interception at midfield and caught them on the break," Cunningham said. "He took control of the situation and finished the goal."
Sophomore Sean Johnson continued his strong early season play in recording his third career shutout and first of 2008. The keeper made six saves in the contest, including a save on a Fredrik Brustard shot just before the Crowley goal. Johnson has now made 22 saves in three games this season.
The game started with a flurry of shots for both teams in the opening 10 minutes. The Hatters fired three shots by the fourth minute, with the final attempt being saved by Johnson. The Knights responded with three of their own, including a pair by senior Ryan Roushandel, in the next three minutes.
"The defense did very well," Cunningham said. "Matt Hoskins came on the field and played exceptionally well. Sean had another good night in goal and made some nice saves to keep us alive."
For the game, Stetson held an 18-12 advantage in shots, including a 6-3 edge in shots on goal.
"The boys had a bad taste in their mouths after the Ohio State loss," Cunningham said. "They were able to put that away today against a very good Stetson team and get our first win on the road. We need to build on this and get ready for Friday."
Having completed the third game of a season-opening five-game road trip, the Knights will have four days off before competing in the Old Dominion STIHL Soccer Classic next weekend. UCF will play William & Mary at 4:30 p.m. on Friday before facing the hosts Sunday at 2:30 p.m.
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 (1-2-0) vs Stetson (2-1-0)
DeLand, Fla.
Date: Sep 7, 2008 Attendance: 325
Weather: clear and warm
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
UCF..........................0 1 - 1
Stetson......................0 0 - 0
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 84:52 UCF Crowley, Joe (1) (unassisted) - breakaway; beat goalie to right post
Shots: UCF 12, Stetson 18
Saves: UCF 6 (Sean Johnson 6), Stetson 2 (Matt Galizia 2)
Corner kicks: UCF 6, Stetson 4
Offsides: UCF 1, Stetson 6
Fouls: UCF 20, Stetson 12