Oct. 7, 2009
MIAMI, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - On the road and looking for its first conference win of the season, visiting UCF (4-4-2, 1-2-0 C-USA) got an early goal from freshman Nicholas Keown-Robson (Auckland, New Zealand) and posted a 2-1 victory Wednesday night at FIU (3-7-0, 0-3-0 C-USA) in Conference USA men's soccer action.
The Knights found the scoreboard in the 17th minute after a foul in the box led to a penalty kick for Robson. The freshman found the back of the net against FIU keeper Shane Lopez for his team-leading fourth goal of the season.
Continuing the aggressive style which has led to an average of over 15 shots per game, UCF held a 16-14 edge in shots, including 9-6 in the opening half. Through just 10 games, the team has 152 shots and is quickly approaching last season's shot total of 184.
In the 73rd minute, UCF scored the eventual game-winner when junior Yaron Bacher (Atlanta, Ga.) tallied a goal for the second-straight game. Bacher was found in the middle of the box on a pass from freshman Jeffrey Simmons (Monroeville, Pa.) and beat the keeper. It was Bacher's second goal of the season and the first career assist for Simmons.
"It was great to get a win on the road," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "Everyone played well and contributed. Winning a conference game is always tough and winning on the road is even tougher. Our players were resilient tonight, and we are pleased to get out of here with a nice win against a talented FIU team."
Redshirt freshman keeper Shawn Doyle (Fort Myers, Fla.) stopped a career-high six shots in goal for UCF to earn the win.
The Golden Panthers got a late goal from Steven Cabas in the 88th minute for the final margin.
UCF will take the weekend off before stepping away from conference play on Tuesday. The Knights will host Mercer at 7:30 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Complex.
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.
Soccer Game Summary (Final)
UCF vs FIU (Oct 07, 2009 at Miami, Fla.)
UCF (4-4-2, 1-2-0 C-USA) vs. FIU (3-7-0, 0-3-0 C-USA)
Date: Oct 07, 2009 Attendance: 275
Weather: 86 Degrees. Mostly Cloudy. Wind 9MPH ESE
Goals by period 1 2 Tot
UCF........................ 1 1 - 2
FIU........................ 0 1 - 1
SCORING SUMMARY:
1. 16:43 UCF ROBSON, Nik (4) Penalty kick
2. 71:58 UCF Bacher, Yaron (2) (George, Kevan) - Low pass from left side. Shot from just inside box in the middle.
3. 87:00 FIU CABAS, Steven (4) (FRINGS, Sebastian)
Shots: UCF 16, FIU 14
Saves: UCF 6 (Doyle, Shawn 6), FIU 6 (LOPEZ, Shane 6)
Corner Kicks: UCF 4, FIU 2
Fouls: UCF 14, FIU 16
Offsides: UCF 3, FIU 2