Sept. 3, 2010
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By Brian Ormiston
UCFAthletics.com
TAMPA, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - After playing over 100 minutes without either team hitting the back of the net, UCF sophomore Tishia Jewell (Satellite Beach, Fla.) finally ended the drama by scoring the golden goal in the 102nd minute to give the Knights a 1-0 double-overtime victory over South Florida Friday in Tampa. The win allowed UCF to improve to 2-1-0 on the young season.
UCF was playing its first match against USF (3-1-0) in Tampa since 2003, and Jewell decided it was the perfect time to net her first-career goal in a Black and Gold uniform.
In net, senior Jaclyn Meade made her collegiate debut Friday. Meade was with the Knights in 2007 before rejoining the Knights this year, and finished with six saves for the shutout victory.
"South Florida is a tough BIG EAST team and is dangerous on corner kicks. I think they will do very well this year," said head coach Amanda Cromwell. "Tonight was a good battle between in-state teams. Both sides had chances, and we created good opportunities early but we didn't finish them. We kept being persistent and going at them, and finally we got the game-winner. Our back line was very good and Jaclyn played well in goal. It was a great team effort and it was important to get this win on the road."
Jewell led all players with four shots, yet it was her final attempt that sent the visitors home happy.
Following a first half where UCF led in shots 6-5, the Bulls witnessed Meade make four saves in the second half to send the match into overtime.
Neither team could capitalize on chances in the first 10-minute overtime session, so the UCF offense knew the final 10 minutes were even more critical. When the second OT began, it was a senior who set it all up for the Knights. Amanda Martorana dribbled in on the right side towards the end line and cut back. Her cross went over to Jewell who headed it in the air once, and as it came back to her, she quickly put it into the mesh, allowing her entire team to sprint out in celebration.
The Knights will now make the short trek back to Orlando to host Virginia Commonwealth Sunday at 1 p.m. Admission to the UCF Soccer Complex is free.