ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF began its preseason training with a pair of practices on Wednesday, starting with a morning session on the training field adjacent to Bright House Networks Stadium. The Knights headed indoors to the Nicholson Fieldhouse later in the afternoon.
"The first practice is always about that excitement to begin a new year," junior midfielder Matias Pyysalo said. "Everyone is trying their best. The newcomers really showed their talents today and there are a lot of quality players on the team this year."
Pyysalo is the top returning scorer after tallying six goals and eight assists in 2015. The Helsinki, Finland, native ended up with the game-winning strike in four matches.
Preseason Practice - (8/10/16) - Images by UCF Knights
The Knights are an experienced group, bringing back six starters and 12 letterwinners. Eleven newcomers completed their first training session after spending the summer taking classes and working on their strength and conditioning.
"This group is fit because they have been training all summer," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We know that their strength level is where we want them to be. Now, it is just about moving through preseason without getting overly technical. We are trying to become a team and find out where the guys are going to fit and what their roles are going to be."
UCF faces Tampa in its first of two exhibition matches on Aug. 16 with the start set for 6 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Knights face three road opponents before opening their home schedule on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m. vs. Florida Gulf Coast.