UCF Tallies 3-0 Shutout over Tampa

Aug. 19, 2015

ORLANDO, Fla. - In its first of two exhibition contests, UCF tallied three goals in the first half on its way to a 3-0 shutout against Tampa on Wednesday night at the UCF Soccer Complex.

Freshman midfielder Walker Dawkins scored twice in a three-minute span during the final 10 minutes of the first half to put the game out of reach.

The first goal was struck by senior striker Hadji Barry in the first seven minutes capped a strong start that saw the Knights pressuring the Spartans.

"It has been awhile since we put the boots on and competed against another side on the game field," said junior midfielder Mason Miller. "It was a good test tonight and I think that everyone rose to the occasion."

The Knights play their final exhibition match on Sunday at 7 p.m. against Lynn, the defending Division II National Champions. Admission is free to the contest.

BARRY'S BREAKAWAY
Junior Mason Miller played a through ball from midfield that found Barry, who found his way through the Spartans defense for a breakaway from 25 yards out. He beat the keeper through the five hole from the top of the box to put the Knights up 1-0.

THE PYYSALO-TO-DAWKINS CONNECTION
Sophomore midfielder Matias Pyysalo found Dawkins on two occasions on crosses in the box in a three minute span to put UCF up 3-0 at the half. The first goal came as Pyysalo dribbled out of trouble in the box and found Dawkins on the right wing. The Royal Palm Beach, Fla., native found the net inside the far post. The duo came found each other on a second occasion with Pyysalo dribbling around the keeper on the left wing and Dawkins hitting an open net from in tight.

"I felt last year that it was our first time playing together and things kind of clicked right away," said Miller on his midfield counterparts. "This year, we are only going to be better. We talked about our chemistry and are really focused on gelling and completing passes to each other."

ATTACKING MINDSET
The Knights controlled the play throughout the first half by taking 12 shots and played a majority of the frame in the attacking third. UCF registered four corners in each frame on offense. The midfielder were key according to head coach Bryan Cunningham:

"There is tremendous experience along with leadership in our midfielders. We have guys that can pass the ball and tackle. They really created the tempo for us from start to finish in terms of getting the ball off our backs and transitioning to attack."

GAME SAVER
Tampa had its best opportunity in the last few seconds on a free kick from 30 yards outs that bended towards the crossbar, but freshman keeper Brendan Rennie punched the ball away to preserve the shutout.

BECOME A KNIGHTS WATCH SUPPORTER
Wednesday will serve as a walk through for the official supporter's group, The Knights Watch. Membership to the group is $50 for non-students and features season tickets, soccer scarf, T-shirt and several catered tailgates. Student membership can be purchased for $15.

SEASON TICKETS ON SALE
A general admission seat to all regular season home matches and a special scarf can be purchased for $30. Youth (age 2-17) season tickets can be purchased for $15. For more information on how to purchase tickets click here or call 407-UCF-1000.

Short Box Score
Goals by Period 1 2 Total
Tampa 0 0 0
UCF 3 0 3
Scoring Summary:
No. Time Team Goal Scorer Assist Description
1. 06:26 UCF Barry, Hadji Miller, Mason Barry shot through the keeper on a breakaway that started 25 yards out following a throughball by Miller.
2. 35:35 UCF Dawkins, Walker Pyysalo, Matias Pyysalo finds Dawkins on the right wing and beats keeper insdie far post
3. 38:07 UCF Dawkins, Walker Pyysalo, Matias Pyysalo dribbles around the keeper and finds Dawkins, who scores into the open net.
Shots: Tampa 4, UCF 13
Saves: Tampa 2 (KNIGHT, Christian 2) , UCF 1 (Rennie, Brendan 1)

Story by Nate Blythe. Video by Chip Fontanazza. Photos by Brad Helton and Simone Amaduzzi.