Sept. 19, 2014
Box Score
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By Jenna Marina
UCFKnights.com
ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The UCF women's soccer team made the most out of its rainy day, taking down No. 23 Long Beach State, 1-0.
As a steady rain pounded the UCF Soccer Complex for the full 90 minutes Friday, the Knights (6-2-0) gave an all-around effort to best a Top 25 opponent for the first time since 2012.
Senior forward Tatiana Coleman recorded her third game-winner of the season while the UCF defense held The Beach (3-3-3) to zero shots on goal.
"I would say fierce is a really good word to describe the team today," UCF head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said. "I really think we stepped it up. We were winning balls in the air, 50-50 balls on the ground, we were doing whatever it takes. I thought it was a really inspiring performance from our team."
UCF's Jennifer Martin had several near-goals in the first half. Her first header 10 minutes in went wide, and another header from the middle of the box was saved seven minutes later by LBSU keeper Ashton McKeown.
Not to be left out of the attack, Coleman literally forced her way between two defenders, but her shot from the right side was deflected, and the 49ers cleared the ball out before any Knight could get to the rebound.
Martin accounted for perhaps UCF's best opportunity after drawing a foul in the box to set up a penalty kick, but her attempt hit the post, and things remained scoreless at the half.
UCF didn't lose its edge after the break as defender Sophie Howard sent a long ball to midfielder Ashley Spivey, who found Coleman on the right side of the field. She put it past the keeper for her sixth goal of the year.
The Beach nearly found an equalizer late with a flurry in the box, but Natalie Zeenni's shot was blocked out of bounds, and the UCF defense didn't allow the 49ers to capitalize off their corner kick.
The Knights clinched their third shutout in a row and have now blanked their opponents in five of their six victories this year.
Sunday's match against Ole Miss at 6 p.m. will feature a special social media ticket price of $2. Fans who follow the team on Twitter (@UCF_WSoccer), Instagram (ucf.wsoccer) or Facebook can show the special coupon on the day of the game to receive the discounted entry.
UCF soccer is presented by Napleton's Volkswagen. For more information on how to purchase tickets, visit UCFKnights.com or call 407-UCF-1000.