Vs. Jacksonville (09-17) - Images by UCF KnightsORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF junior midfielder Matias Pyysalo secured the Knights' 4-1 victory against Jacksonville on Saturday afternoon by tallying the final two goals. Both markers came directly off set pieces, with the later bending into the net from a corner kick at the UCF Soccer Complex.
After Jacksonville (3-4-0) knotted the match, 1-1, in the 63rd minute on a free kick just outside the box, UCF (1-3-0) responded 10 minutes later. Junior forward Neico Regent found the back of the net on a pass by Pyysalo, who finished with five points.
"We were in control of the game most of the time and the players were very disciplined with their business," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We knew it was eventually going to pay off. Our persistence there toward the end came through when some of guys coming off the bench really stepped up. Consequently, we were able to put three more goals in to kind of finish the game off in style, which is always nice."
PLAYING WITH THE LEAD
- The Knights took their first lead of the season on a strike from sophomore forward Gorka Aperribay in the 38th minute.
- The first goal of campaign for the Winter Springs, FLa., native came on a throughball by junior defenseman Joel Vartiainen.
- UCF did not find itself with an advantage on the scoreboard in the first three matches.
- The Black and Gold held a lead for just over 45 minutes during the contest.
"It was very important for us to score the first goal. The game always goes easier when you have the lead in the first half. It has a calming influence on the team."
-Sophomore Forward Gorka Aperribay
PYYSALO'S PERFECT KICKS
- Junior Matias Pyysalo converted a free kick from 20 yards out at the top of the box to provide the Knights with a 2-0 advantage in the 76th minute.
- An assist was awarded to freshman Brian Jamba, who touched the ball before Pyysalo's strike.
- During the 83rd minute, the Helsinki, Finland, native bended in a corner kick from the right of goal.
- The markers increased his season goal total to three for the season.
"We made a lineup change today and put Matias in a spot where we could get him the ball in dangerous positions. He is a good attacking player. He worked hard on both sides of the ball and it triggered him to be in some great spots to start our transition."
-Head coach Bryan Cunningham
"It takes a lot of time after and before practice to be successful on free kicks. It is just practice, practice, practice - that is how you master the skill. It also a mindset because all the players have to be on the same page."
-Junior midfielder Matias Pyysalo
KNIGHTS' NOTES:
- Freshman goalkeeper Matt Rosenberg recorded his first victory as a Knight and made three saves.
- UCF finished the contest with a 14-6 advantage in shots, which included eight during the second half.
- Both teams finished with six corner kicks with the Knights holding the Dolphins to just one in the second frame.
- Three of the five goals in the contest came off set pieces, including the lone goal for Jacksonville.
NEXT UP
- The Knights are back home on Wednesday to continue a six match homestand vs. North Florida at 7 p.m.
- This is the final match before UCF starts play in The American on Saturday at 7 p.m. against South Florida.