April 12, 2010
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - A.J. Nelson and Yaron Bacher tallied goals in an exciting contest against the United States U-17 National Team Monday evening, but the UCF men's soccer team dropped its final exhibition contest of the spring season 3-2 at the UCF Soccer Complex.
Playing against some of the most talented young players in the country, the Knights struck first in the 23rd minute when the newcomer Nelson was able to chip a shot over the U.S. keeper for the opening marker. Malcolm Reed's long throw-in and a flip from Nicholas Robson got the ball to Nelson in the box.
Just two minutes later UCF was on the board again when Bacher, a captain, fired a long shot from over 30 yards out that beautifully sailed into the upper 90 over the keeper's outstretched arms.
Kellen Gulley, the No. 1 player in the Class of 2012 according to TopDrawerSoccer.com, dented the scoreboard for the visitors in the 33rd minute with a strike from inside the box.
Gulley added the equalizer in the 55th minute, touching in a pass in close from Tarik Salkicic.
Mario Rodriguez scored the game-winner with 10 minutes to play after a perfect pass into the box from Alejandro Guido.
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.