Aug. 10, 2011
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By Jordean Matthews
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF women's soccer team will open its 2011 season in an exhibition game between the defending Conference USA regular season champion Knights against the reigning Big-12 Conference champions from Texas A&M on Saturday, August 13 at 7 p.m. Admission to the game is FREE for all fans.
Prior to the game, a ceremonial `kickoff' will be held in recognition of the opening of the newly expanded UCF Soccer Stadium. Construction for the new track & field and soccer complex began in January and opened in May of this year during a UCF home track meet. Head coach Amanda Cromwell invites all of the Central Florida soccer community to take part in this historic event.
Saturday, the Knights will take on the Aggies, a team that claimed the Big-12 Championship a year ago and return seven starters from last season's squad. Included in those returning for Texas A&M are three All-Big 12 First Team selections: seniors Bri Young and Merritt Mathias and sophomore Rachel Lenz.
Game time is scheduled for 7 p.m., with the ceremonial kickoff slated for 6:40 p.m. Cromwell will address the crowd during this pregame ceremony, welcoming fans to the Knights' new home.
The Knights ended last season with 15-5-3 record and its fourth-straight showing in the NCAA Tournament Second Round.
UCF Soccer and Track Stadium Facts:
? Cost was roughly $1.2 million
? New stands with seating capacity for 1,475 fans, bringing total complex capacity to over 2,000
? New press box with sound system
? Permanent restroom facilities on site
? New fencing around entire complex
? New main entranceway with ornamental fencing and brick pillars with UCF logos