ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF was unable to find a late equalizer in a 2-1 exhibition loss to Tampa on Tuesday night at the UCF Soccer Complex. Senior Javier Clavijo converted a free kick from 20 yards out to put the Knights on the board in the 85th minute.
"It's a shame that you have to create your own luck sometimes and Tampa did just. They had two good chances and finished them," said head coach Bryan Cunningham. "I felt like we had endless chances out there and just did not create our own luck tonight.
"We have to keep creating opportunities, but have to focus on defending and shutting down opponents. We must remember to stay disciplined no matter where we are at on the field."
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
-The Knights out-shot the Spartans, 19-7, which included 11 shots during the second half.
-Tampa goalkeeper Jake Richards did make three saves to keep the Knights off the board early.
-During the 11th minute, freshman Cal Jennings found a scoring chance on a through-ball from sophomore Gorka Aperribay before the keeper made the stop.
-Two minutes later, Aperribay was denied by the goalkeeper on a one-on-one opportunity.
-Prior to halftime, freshman Jesus Colombo struck a ball inside the six-yard box, but the keeper knocked it away.
-Another opportunity came for Colombo in the 75th minute as his shot beat the keeper and deflected off the post.
UP NEXT
-The Knights host their final exhibition match on Sunday with a 6 p.m. start against Florida Southern.
-UCF opens the season with three-straight road contests, starting at Grand Canyon at 9 p.m. on Aug. 26.
-After three away matches, the Knights start their home slate on Sept. 15 vs. Florida Gulf Coast at 7 p.m.
BEGIN YOUR WATCH
-Packages for Knights Watch, the official supporter's group of UCF Soccer presented by Napleton's Volkswagen, begin at $15 for students and $50 for alumni and fans.
-Each membership includes season tickets, a soccer scarf, t-shirt and several catered tailgates.
