July 13, 2012
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By Jenna Marina
UCFAthletics.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFAthletics.com) - Coming off one of the most successful years in school history, the women's soccer team unveiled its schedule Friday for the highly anticipated 2012 season.
The Knights return nine starters and four of their top five scorers from a season ago when the team advanced to the Elite Eight for the first time since 1987 after getting past North Carolina thanks to a thrilling Sweet 16 shootout win.
Of the eight non-conference opponents on the schedule, five participated in the NCAA Tournament in 2011: Florida Gulf Coast, Florida State, Miami, Georgia and Boston College. The Knights dive into the year with a home scrimmage against Florida on Aug. 11 after downing the Gators in the second round of the tournament last year.
"We love our 2012 schedule. It's the perfect balance and creates the tests our team needs to compete at a high level in the NCAA tournament," head coach Amanda Cromwell said. "Players come to UCF because they want to play against the best. In 2012 we've definitely accomplished that in support of our goal to earn a trip to San Diego for the College Cup. "
UCF officially opens the season on Aug. 17 at USF and will continue south to defending Atlantic Sun Champion Florida Gulf Coast on Aug. 19. The Knights return to Orlando for an exciting home-opening weekend against instate rivals, ACC champion Florida State (Aug. 24) and Miami (Aug. 26). This year marks the first time since 2007 that Seminoles and the Hurricanes both appear on UCF's home schedule.
The Knights remain at home for a tournament featuring Dartmouth, Georgia and USF. UCF kicks off against Dartmouth at 7 p.m. on Aug. 31 before facing Georgia on Sept. 2 at 2:30 p.m.
UCF heads to Boston College on Sept. 9 before wrapping up nonconference play at home against North Florida on Sept. 14. The Knights open Conference USA action against reigning champion Memphis in Tennessee on Sept. 21 and head to UAB two days later.
A four-game homestand will begin against Houston on Sept. 28, followed by Rice (Sept. 30), Tulsa (Oct. 5) and SMU (Oct. 7).
UCF has two more home games against East Carolina (Oct. 19) and Marshall (Oct. 21) before closing out the regular season at Southern Miss on Oct. 26. The team will then direct its attention to the C-USA Championship, which will be held at UTEP Oct. 31-Nov. 4.
"This is our last season in Conference USA before the move to the BIG EAST. This fact is not lost on the players," Cromwell said. "Throughout the spring, we've overheard them on many occasions talking about going out of C-USA with a bang. The team takes pride in knowing that they want to see the UCF name etched on a trophy in our last year in the conference.
"This should be one of the most competitive years in C-USA with so many teams expected to compete for the crown. I think the C-USA portion of our schedule works well for us with six home games and five away followed by the C-USA Tournament. But the conference is so competitive, if you don't show up to compete for a match, any team across the board can take the points. Conference USA was a great home for us over the past eight years and we would be honored to show our quality in chasing the cup in our last season."
UCF soccer season tickets are currently available, beginning at $30. A complimentary soccer scarf comes with each purchase. The scarf also acts as your ticket to the game, so be sure to come to the game in style. Attending UCF soccer matches is also a great way to celebrate birthdays, corporate outings or any special occasion. Please ask about our group packages today. Fans of Olympic sports should be sure to ask about our GOLD PASS. With a GOLD PASS, you receive season admission to five UCF sports for just $75.
For more information and to place an order, call the UCF Ticket Office at (407) 823-1000 or visit UCFAthletics.com.