Sept. 12, 2014
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
TAMPA, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - Two second-half goals by seniors Jennifer Martin and Tatiana Coleman propelled the UCF women's soccer team to its first program win over Texas on Friday evening at USF's Corbett Stadium.
Not only did UCF (4-2-0) have to deal with an undefeated Texas squad (4-1-2), but the Knights also had to hold focus after their third-straight weather delayed game; this time a 103-minute break with less than 18 minutes to go in the match.
"I'm really proud and happy because we put together a strong 90 minutes. It was 90 minutes right? It seemed longer," UCF head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said with a laugh. "We weathered the storm, literally. Texas came out on fire, which we expected. They were fresh and had nothing to lose. To deal with Texas' pressure and be able to pull another goal out late by Tati was great. I really felt like we grew tonight. I really feel like tonight everybody put in their best. We played to our standard today and that was really great to see."
In their first meeting in 14 years, the Knights pummeled six shots on goal in the first half, but Texas keeper Abby Smith stayed strong in between the posts to keep things scoreless at halftime.
It wasn't until Coleman drew a foul in prime territory at the top of the box to set up Martin with a free kick that allowed the Knights to break through. Martin buried it in the upper back of the net in the 47th minute for her second game-winner of the year and delivered the Longhorns' first loss of the season.
"When I see her step up to the ball, there's no doubt in my mind she's going to put it in," Coleman said. "I have so much confidence in her and in the way she plays."
Texas kept its composure to try to find the equalizer, but UCF keeper Connie Organ came up with two saves before the extended lightning delay with 17:37 remaining halted the action.
Coleman sealed it for the Knights with four minutes remaining when she capitalized on a breakaway and Smith's poor positioning. The Texas keeper was encroaching on midfield when Coleman received a ball on the run. She took several touches as Smith backpedaled, but the speedy UCF forward slipped the ball right past her toward an empty net for her fourth goal of the year.
"A lot was going through my mind, actually, when I was approaching the goalie because I couldn't tell if she was coming out or if she was stepping back," Coleman said. "I just analyzed the situation and just put it away."
Added Sahaydak: "Credit to Tati because that looks like it's an easy thing to do. She had a lot of composure in that moment. There's a lot of pressure on you. I saw her pick her head up, she saw the goalkeeper backpedaling, and she focused on aiming and hit it on frame. She executed that perfectly."
With the win, UCF remained undefeated in regular-season neutral-site matchups since 2007. The Knights return to Orlando on Sunday to face Oregon State at noon in the first of a three-match homestand.
UCF soccer is presented by Napleton's Volkswagen. Season tickets are now available for $30, good for one-general admission seat to all 2014 regular season home matches. As a bonus, season-ticket holders will also receive a special soccer scarf. The GOLD Pass, which includes one general admission seat for all home men's soccer, women's soccer, volleyball, softball, women's basketball and track & field events, is available for $90. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit UCFKnights.com or call 407-UCF-1000.