Sept. 6, 2009
Final Stats
TAMPA, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In the final match of the USF Tournament in Tampa, the UCF women's soccer team had five different players tally goals in a 5-0 victory against Florida International Sunday afternoon. The Knights improved to 3-1-1 on the season after outshooting the Golden Panthers (1-2-2), 18-5.
The five goals by the Knights were the most they scored in a non-conference match since they tallied five against both USF and Tulane during the 2004 campaign. It also was UCF's third shutout of the year and the second-straight for senior keeper Lynzee Lee, who needed to make one save vs. FIU. For the weekend, Lee racked up nine saves as she amassed eight in a 0-0 tie vs. LSU Sept. 4.
"It was extremely hot but we used 21 players and our depth helped us stay fresh for 90 minutes," said associate head coach Colby Hale. "Against LSU Friday, we had good chances wide of the net but couldn't score so we knew we had to work on our crossing and finishing. Today we scored four of our goals off crosses. And defensively it was important for us to get the shutout, and we limited them to only five shots."
Entering the match without a first-half goal this season, UCF got on the board early and often vs. FIU. After Lee posted a quick save 1:45 into the contest, the Knights put heavy pressure on the Golden Panthers' defense and it paid off in the 17th minute. Freshman Nicolette Radvocic got in on the right and delivered a pass to senior Courtney Whidden in the box who put it home for her 10th career game-winner.
Two more newcomers helped the Black and Gold take a 2-0 lead in the 27th minute, where junior Kim Newsome found freshman Tiia Tikkanen with a pass and she capitalized for her first collegiate goal. The Knights closed out the first half when junior Amanda Martorana, who returned to action after battling a sickness, put in a rebound after FIU goalkeeper Kait Savage made an initial save on a shot by Newsome in the 32minute.
Following the break, sophomore Katie Jackson needed just 3:34 of the second half to make it 4-0 when she scored her second goal of the year on a deflection. And senior Yvonne George got into the act in the 66th minute when freshman Alex Brandt beat a defender at midfielder and sent a pass through a slot for George who went far post. It was her 14th goal all-time in a UCF uniform.
With the four-game road trip in the rear-view mirror, the Knights are back in Orlando to host No. 5 Florida State Thursday at 7 p.m. They also will welcome USF to town Sunday, Sept. 13, at 1 p.m. Admission to all home matches is free.
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
FIU (1-2-2) - 0
UCF (3-1-1) - 5
Goals: UCF Courtney Whidden (3) 17th, UCF Tiia Tikkanen (1) 27th, UCF Amanda Martorana (1) 32nd, UCF Katie Jackson (2) 49th, UCF Yvonne George (1) 66th
-UCF moved to 26-4-3 all-time against Florida International. The Knights have faced the Golden Panthers more than any other opponent.
-On the four-match road trip, UCF went 2-1-1 with victories over then-No. 10 Duke and FIU, a tie against LSU which was ranked in the preseason and a loss to No. 1 North Carolina.
-The Knights led FIU in corner kicks, 5-4, while they placed 12 of their 18 shots on goal.
-Off the bench, Tiia Tikkanen led all players with three shots, all of which were on net. Yvonne George, Stacie Hubbard, Amanda Martorana, Kim Newsome and Katie Jackson each chipped in two shots.
-Kim Newsome's two assists were her first points at UCF since transferring from Polk Community College.
-In all, Newsome (two assists) and freshmen Tiia Tikkanen (one goal) and Alex Brandt (one assist) all posted their first points at the Division I level.