Oct. 11, 2009
Final Stats
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - In a battle of programs listed in the top 40 of the NCAA RPI, the UCF women's soccer team cruised past Colorado College, 4-1, Sunday at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Knights, who are ranked No. 5 in the RPI and as high as No. 16 in the national polls, claimed their fourth-straight victory to stretch their record to 10-3-1 and 5-1-0 in Conference USA.
With the win over the Tigers (8-5-1, 4-2-0, No. 39 in the RPI), the Knights remained first in the C-USA standings and ensured themselves of at least 10 wins for the ninth-straight season.
UCF picked up goals from seniors Nikki Moore, Becca Thomas and Courtney Whidden along with junior Amanda Martorana in a match in which they outshot Colorado College 27-13. That equaled their season-high for attempts as the Knights also had 27 shots two days ago against UTEP.
"UTEP and Colorado College were atop of the conference, and we had to beat the best to be the best," said head coach Amanda Cromwell, whose Knights went 5-1-0 against six of the top teams in the standings to open the league schedule. "We had 16 of 27 shots on goal today and that's a pretty good percentage. It was a good effort and I thought it was better than Friday night. We want to make sure we are getting better with each game."
UCF had a golden chance to get on the board from the opening kickoff, as senior Yvonne George took it down the left side and sent a cross to freshman Nicolette Radovcic but she could not get a foot on it from only a few yards out. Radovcic then had a breakaway with goalkeeper Caitlin Hulyo only to see her shot glance off the crossbar.
While the forwards were attacking, it took a defender to help the Knights take the lead. In the 27th minute, Moore gained control near the center line and decided to take it in by herself. After eluding defenders, Moore saw a lane from about 22 yards out and hit the far right corner for her first of the year.
It appeared UCF was poised to enter halftime with a 1-0 lead, but a foul by Kelsey Wise 20 yards directly in front of the net gave Thomas a free kick opportunity in the 42nd minute. The midfielder earlier put two free kicks on goal which were stopped by Hulyo, but this time sent a low ball past the wall and into the left corner for the 2-0 advantage.
Already holding an 11-5 cushion in shots, UCF opened the second half by continuing its offensive pressure. When the 64th minute rolled along, Martorana took a crossing pass from sophomore Katie Jackson and easily put it home to give the Knights even more insurance.
Although Brittany Lyman ruined keeper Aline Reis' shutout bid four minutes later, Whidden sealed the victory with her seventh goal of the 2009 campaign in the 86th minute. It also was her 29th career tally, moving her into a tie for ninth on the UCF all-time list.
The Knights now hit the road for four-straight matches when they travel to Texas to face Rice and Houston next weekend.
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
Colorado College (8-5-1, 4-2-0) - 1
No. 16 UCF (10-3-1, 5-1-0) - 4
Goals: UCF Nikki Moore (1) 27th, UCF Becca Thomas (2) 42nd, UCF Amanda Martorana (3) 64th, CC Brittney Lyman (3) 68th, UCF Courtney Whidden (7), 86th
-With Nikki Moore scoring in the first half, the Knights now have 13 different players who have tallied a goal this year.
-UCF has outscored opponents 13-4 during its current four-game winning streak.
-For the game, Katie Jackson, Tishia Jewell and Bianca Joswiak all earned assists.
-Although it was a very hot day in Orlando, Aline Reis, Lauren Halbert and Christina Petrucco all played the entire match.
-Senior Courtney Whidden led all players with six shots, including three on goal.
-Reis completed her afternoon with three saves for the victory.