Oct. 30, 2008
ORLANDO, Fla. (www.ucfathletics.com) - Now towards the end of his senior season, Chris Andaur continues to lead the UCF men's soccer team at both practices and games, even though injuries sometimes force the co-captain to do so from the sidelines. Just two days away from "Senior Night" when the Knights host Florida Atlantic, Andaur is hoping to get healthy for the rest of the season and finish strong.
"Getting healthy," Andaur says of his individual goals before quickly turning his attention to the team. "We want to perform well in the conference tournament and hopefully win it. We have played every team. We know what we are up against and we can matchup with anyone. I think we can beat any of them."
Andaur spoke while watching his teammates practice without him, something he has done more than he has wanted this season. Numerous nagging injuries have forced him to miss four games this season, and gritty performances have helped him get through the others.
"Chris has had a positive influence on our program since transferring," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "He has worked hard all year. He has had some unfortunate injuries, but he has continued to give 100 percent, and we are grateful for his efforts."
In 11 games, Anduar's 19 shots are good for second on the Knights. With 11 shots on goal, he has an impressive .579 shots on goal percentage, and he calls his goal at Ohio State the highlight of his career.
"We had the lead with 1:30 left but unfortunately we didn't pull it off," the Naples, Fla., native said of UCF's 2-1 double overtime loss to the then ninth-ranked Buckeyes. "I played my heart out in that game, and I think it was one of the best games of my college career."
After transferring from Florida International after his freshman season, Andaur has played in 53 games at UCF. He has tallied three goals and four assists and says he has no regrets about his decision to join the program.
"I am very happy with the decision," he said. "Nothing against FIU, but it wasn't right for me. Coming here I had the opportunity to work hard, and I had coaches who believed in me and supported me throughout everything. We have top-notch facilities, probably the best facilities in the state soccer-wise."
With an important game at South Carolina next Friday and a likely trip to the Conference USA Tournament in mid-November, the Andaur and the Knights still have numerous games left this season. However, Saturday night is the last opportunity to see the three seniors at the UCF Soccer Complex. Andaur and fellow seniors Bryan Collier and Ryan Roushandel will be honored prior to the 7 p.m. kickoff.
"I will remember all the memorable games we've had on the field against some of the best teams in the country," said Andaur. "Every time we have played we always play against the top competition, and you can't take that away from UCF."
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.