ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - The Knights squared off with North Carolina Friday night, despite a strong first half ending in a scoreless tie, UCF fell to the Tar Heels 2-0.
UCF head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, a UNC alum, said starting the season against two top-ranked teams was going to be a big test, but she was proud how her team came out and competed.
"I think the team was very excited to play," Roberts Sahaydak said. "They were really motivated and wanted to get on the field tonight. I really think we had a good first half, but sometimes college soccer comes down to depth, and we don't quite have the depth that Carolina does."
It was the first time back at Fetzer Field as a head coach for Roberts Sahaydak. She said she enjoyed being back at UNC and facing her former coach Anson Dorrance.
"I actually had a blast being on the sideline again because Anson is such a character," she said. "I was really proud to be next to a mentor of mine and a coach that I respect so much."
MISSED OPPORTUNITIES
-After a UNC handball in the box early in second half, senior forward Carol Rodrigues took a penalty kick but the shot missed over the crossbar
-Rodrigues had a total of three shots
-Five different Knights accounted for eight shots but none were unable to connect
-Sophomore goalkeeper Vera Varis had two saves facing 12 shots (four on goal)
TALE OF TWO HALFS
-UCF out-shot UNC 5-2 in the first half but only managed two second half attempts to the Tar Heels' 10
-Knights drew two corners in each half while UNC drew seven total, six of which came after the break
It was the first time back at Fetzer Field as a head coach for Roberts Sahaydak. She said she enjoyed being back at UNC and facing her former coach Anson Dorrance.
"I actually had a blast being on the sideline again because Anson is such a character," she said. "I was really proud to be next to a mentor of mine and a coach that I respect so much."
DEPTH CHART
-18 players saw action for the black and gold, including four freshman
UP NEXT
-UCF will remain in Chapel Hill to face No. 3 Duke at Fetzer Field on Sunday at 1:00 p.m.