Vs. FGCU (09-14) - Images by UCF KnightsORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF freshman Jesus Colombo scored for the first time as a Knight in a 3-1 defeat vs. Florida Gulf Coast on Wednesday at the UCF Complex.
"Especially in the first half, all credit goes to our players," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "They came out were sharp, executed and did some really good things. Unfortunately, a hot goalkeeper makes four great saves in the first half. We were thinking that we were going to get out of the first half with a lead, but unfortunately, we go in one down."
The Knights totaled four shots on goal in the first half, but the Eagles broke a scoreless tie with six minutes left till halftime. FGCU added goals in the 57th and 63rd minutes to take a 3-0 advantage before UCF found the back of the net.
FRESHMAN'S FIRST
- Freshman forward Jesus Colombo netted his first collegiate goal in the 74th minute.
- A throughball to Colombo was played by freshman Richard Amon from the midfield.
- Colombo went 1-on-1 with the keeper and calmly found the back of the net.
THE KNIGHTS WATCH
- The official supporters group of UCF Soccer came out in full force. The group chanted throughout the match and created a unique atmosphere.
- The announced attendance was 824 with a large number being student supporters.
"The Knights Watch supporters and the fans that were came out tonight were awesome. We have a football team that plays UCFast and I think that they probably saw that we play an attractive style of soccer. The game tonight was fun for a lot of people, because it was end-to-end with a lot of action. Hopefully, they keep coming out and continue supporting us."
-Head coach Bryan Cunningham
NOTABLE KNIGHTS
- The Knights ended up with a 7-to-3 advantage in shots on target. Junior Matias Pyysalo and Colombo each accounted for two.
- UCF also fired a game-high 13 shots.
- Consecutive headers 20 minutes into the contest by junior Neico Regent and senior Javier Clavijo were both stopped by the Eagles' goalkeeper.
- Freshman Richard Amon had a strike that went just high during the 58th minute.
UP NEXT
- The Knights continue a six-match homestand on Saturday with a noon kick against Jacksonville.
- Admission is free to the contest against the Dolphins. Fans are encouraged to attend the match prior to the football team taking the field at 7 p.m. vs. Maryland.