Aug. 17, 2011
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By Pat Salvas
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - The UCF men's soccer team played to a 2-2 tie Wednesday night against Tampa in the team's first game at the newly expanded UCF Soccer Stadium. The match was the first preseason contest of the year for the Knights, who begin regular-season play Aug. 26 at Jacksonville.
Junior forward Nik Robson (Auckland, New Zealand) scored both the UCF goals. The first came on a penalty shot midway through the first half. Last season, Robson was a perfect 4-for-4 taking the penalty shot, including one in the first round of the NCAA Tournament in a 3-0 win over USF at home.
Robson's second goal of the night came off a loose ball inside the goal box. Freshman Matthew Gaskins (St. Petersburg, Fla.) picked up the assist after putting a centering pass between a defender and the goalkeeper to the waiting forward for the open look.
Sophomore goalkeeper Sebastian Evers (Miami, Fla.) played all 90 minutes in net for the Knights, turning aside five shots in the draw.
Tampa's Ryan Griffin scored both of the Spartans' goals in the contest.
UCF outshot Tampa, 20-8, and held a 7-0 advantage in corner kicks.
The Knights have one preseason contest remaining as they take on St. Leo Saturday night at 7 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Stadium.