Aug. 31, 2009
By Jared Greenbaum
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's soccer team is looking for redemption in its season opener Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at No. 11 USF. Less than a year ago, the Knights fell in overtime to the 12th-ranked Bulls after a scoreless regulation. Set to face USF again Tuesday in Tampa, both the team and head coach Bryan Cunningham are looking to kick off the season with a strong start.
"The players and staff are excited about getting the season underway against a talented USF team," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "We look forward to the challenge of playing against a ranked opponent on the road and hope that will lend us good experience as we proceed through our regular season."
The Knights are 16-13-5 all-time in season openers, and the team is determined to improve on its 2008 overall record of 7-11-1. Last season, UCF improved its win total by three games, finished in a tie for third in Conference USA and won a C-USA tournament game for the first time in the program's history.
With a roster absent of seniors, the team is led by last season's leading scorer, Kevan George. George, a sophomore who was named to the C-USA Men's Soccer Preseason All-Conference team, is again being called upon to control the midfield and put balls in the back of the net. In 2008, George scored four goals and was the lone freshman named to the All-Conference first team.
Last year, USF closed out its season with a 15-5-3 record and a trip to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The Bulls are also noted for going 8-0-2 at home.
Upon returning from Tampa, UCF will host North Florida on Friday, September 4, in their home opener. The second game of the UCF Fall Classic is slated to kick off at 8:30 p.m., following Iona and Georgia Southern at 6 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.