April 7, 2010
By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
Orlando, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Just over 1,000 fans were on hand Wednesday to watch the UCF women's soccer team fall just short against the Mexico National Team, 2-1, at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Knights held a 1-0 lead at halftime before Mexico answered with a pair of goals in the second half to grab the win.
The Black and Gold outshot Mexico, 19-16, including an 8-5 margin in shots on goal. Tishia Jewell led the evening with seven attempts, placing three on net.
"Any time you play a full national team you're going to be happy with a 2-1 result," said UCF head coach Amanda Cromwell. "It would have been great if we were on the winning side, but I thought we played extremely well in the first half. Mexico then picked it up in the second half, and we lost our legs a little bit. Overall I think we were unlucky not to tie it up, and it was one of those games that a 2-2 score would have been a fair result.
"Mexico is a quality team though. They countered on us very well, they're technical and they were able to finish those two scoring chances. That's why they are on the national team. Their second goal was an amazing goal.
"This match, and the entire spring, gives our ladies confidence that they can carry into the summer. Right now we are able to use players that might not have played a lot in the fall, and we are able to work with different formations and lineups so we can determine what works for the upcoming 2010 season."
Hosted by the Central Florida United Soccer Club, the match was controlled by the Knights throughout the first half. UCF would hold a 5-2 advantage in shots on goal, with Erika Vanegas making four saves for Mexico and Aline Reis turning aside both of the attempts she faced.
But it was a 30-yard shot that put the Knights in front as Katie Jackson gathered a loose ball from 30 yards out and lifted a shot just over Vanegas' outstretched gloves and into the right corner in the 37th minute.
Mexico would fight back in the second half, where Leticia Villalpando hit the back of the net from the right side in the 65th minute. Dinora Garza then netted the game-winner in the 76th minute, receiving a pass from Natalia Gomez-Junco, finding a lane between the UCF defense and firing a lazer around Reis and into the top corner.
UCF's best chance to draw even once again came in the 80th minute where Amanda Martorana gained possession right in front and made a perfect turn only to see her shot be deflected by Vanegas. Jewell tried to put home the rebound, yet her shot sailed over the crossbar.
The Knights will now get ready to host Auburn Saturday at 6 p.m. 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, and become a follower of the Knights at Twitter.com.