Sept. 13, 2009
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Freshman Nicolette Radovcic (Rockaway, N.J.) posted her first-career goal with 1:19 remaining in regulation to give the UCF women's soccer team a dramatic, 1-0, victory over in-state rival USF (2-3-1) Sunday at the UCF Soccer Complex. The late-game goal improved the Knights' record to 5-1-1 on the season.
Earlier in the half, Radovcic booted the ball to the back of the net, only to be called offsides. Determined to give the home team the win, the freshman would get a second chance and put the game away for the Black and Gold. Senior Emily Maynard (Chicago, Ill.) found Radovcic out wide, before the freshman beat the USF defender at the top corner of the box and took her shot from close range, putting it into the back of the far corner of the net.
"I was so mad that I got called offsides on the first goal," Radovcic said. "I was just looking to put it into the back of the net again. After Thursday's game I was not about to go into overtime with this team. I am so happy right now, you have no idea."
"For Nicolette to have that goal called back and then come in and have a great touch around the defender and just bury it, was a sign of a rookie not playing like one," head coach Amanda Cromwell said.
Fans hoping to watch highlights of the Knights' victory over USF can do so by tuning into UCF SportsKnight Tuesday night at 8 p.m. on UCF-TV. The show also will re-air on Bright House Sports Network, just check your local listings for airtimes.
The win was the third-straight for UCF, after topping in-state rivals FIU and No. 4 Florida State in its last two contests.
"The team played great today," Cromwell said. "It was a little bit of an emotional and physically draining game on Thursday against Florida State. So to come back and play another in-state rival, who played really well, and grind it out to get the win that late just shows our mentality right now."
Sophomore keeper Aline Reis (Campinas, Brazil) posted her ninth-career shutout in the game and, along with senior netminder Lynzee Lee (Kailspell, Mont.), has now helped UCF to four-straight shutouts. The last time the Black and Gold allowed a goal was in the 3-2 win over Duke.
The Knights had an early opportunity to score in the 12th minute of the first half when USF's keeper mishandled a corner kick from Becca Thomas (Burlington, Wash.). Senior Yvonne George (Winter Springs, Fla.) took a shot on goal, but a Bull defender headed it away from the net to kill the play.
USF immediately countered with a through ball, but UCF's goalie Reis made a nice save at close range.
Those two shots on goal were the only ones for both teams heading into halftime. At the end of the first half, the Knights and the Bulls each had three shots.
George had another opportunity to score in the opening minutes of the second half, taking a cross from Nikki Moore (Virginia Beach, Va.) just wide of the goal, before the Black and Gold posted another shot just minutes later when senior Courtney Whidden (Palm Harbor, Fla.) attempted to head it in right in front of the net, but the ball sailed just wide again.
At 85:38, Radovcic put her first goal opportunity into the back of the net, only to be called offsides, before coming back a little over three minutes later to give the Knights the victory on Maynard's assist.
UCF will conclude its non-conference schedule Friday when it travels to face South Carolina at 7 p.m. The Black and Gold then open Conference USA play in Orlando vs. UAB Sept. 25 and Memphis Sept. 27.
For the latest news on the Knights, log on to 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 UCFPhotos.com, the exclusive fan source for UCF action sports pictures.
Postgame Notes
USF (2-3-1) - 0
UCF (5-1-1) - 1
Goals: Nicolette Radovcic (1) 89th
- Senior Yvonne George led all players with two shots on goal.
- The Knights have not given up a goal in four-straight outings.
- UCF led the game in corner kicks, 7-1.
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