Oct. 14, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Kevon Neaves found the back of the net with a header in the 93rd minute as 12th-ranked USF (8-2-2) defeated UCF (6-6-0) 1-0 in overtime at the UCF Soccer Complex Tuesday night in men's non-conference soccer action.
The in-state rivals battled throughout in a highly competitive game and found themselves knotted in a scoreless tie through regulation. In the opening 90 minutes, the game saw just 13 combined shots.
Just two minutes into overtime, USF's Yohance Marshall found Jordan Seabrook down the sideline. Seabrook sent a beautiful cross to the far side of the goal, and Neaves headed just over the outstretched arm of UCF keeper Sean Johnson (Lilburn, Ga.) and off the far post for the game-winner.
"The guys came prepared and it was a well-played college soccer game," UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham said after the contest. "Both teams came to play. It was unfair not to get the result tonight, but I am proud of our players' effort.
USF entered the game having allowed just eight goals in 11 games in 2008, including just one in the past six games. It was the third ranked team the Knights have lost to this season and second in overtime. UCF also fell to ninth-ranked Ohio State on Aug. 31, losing 2-1 in double overtime.
The game saw just 14 shots, with USF holding a 9-5 edge in that category.
"We can play with anyone in the country, we do not care if they are ranked or not ranked," Cunningham said. "USF is a very good program with a lot of very experienced, talented players. They have done a great job of recruiting, and obviously we are trying to ramp up the recruiting here. We have a very talented freshmen class, and the rivalry is only going to keep growing because a lot of the guys know each other and makes for a good-spirited game."
The opening 45 minutes were played primarily in the midfield with both teams looking to set up scoring opportunities. There were just seven shots combined, with Yaron Bacher (Atlanta, Ga.) firing first for UCF in the ninth minute. The sophomore's drive from 28 yards out was stopped by USF keeper Jeff Attinella.
Seniors Chris Andaur (Naples, Fla.) and Bryan Collier (Fayetteville, Ga.) also had shots on goal for the Knights in the first half, with Collier's header off a Cameron Cooksey (Marietta, Ga.) long throw just being stopped by Attinella.
Johnson took a tough-luck loss in goal after playing a solid game. The sophomore and Conference USA leader in saves stopped three shots in the contest. Attinella also stopped three shots in goal in posting his sixth shutout in the past seven games for USF.
UCF returns to action and to league play on Friday, playing at Tulsa at 9:35 p.m. The only team ahead of the Knights, Tulsa is currently 4-0-0 in C-USA action. A win would put UCF in a two-way tie for first with three league games remaining on the slate.
"They have been resilient all season," Cunningham said of bouncing back against Tulsa. "We have only lost back-to-back games one time this season. We are excited to get on the road against them for a chance to be tied for first in the conference."
The Knights have not lost two-straight games since losing to Ohio State in August.
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)
#12 USF (8-2-2) vs UCF (6-6-0)
Orlando, Fla. (UCF Soccer Complex)
Date: Oct. 14, 2008 Attendance: 549
Weather: 74, windy
Goals by period 1 2 OT Tot
USF......................... 0 0 1 - 2
UCF......................... 0 0 0 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 92:01 USF NEAVES, Kevon (2) (Jordan Seabrook; Yohance Marshall) - cross to far side; header off far post near crossbar
Shots: USF 9, UCF 5
Saves: USF 3 (Jeff Attinella 3) UCF 3 (Sean Johnson 3)
Corner kicks: USF 4, UCF 1
Offsides: USF 3, UCF 0
Fouls: USF 13, UCF 8