DeLAND, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF junior Matias Pyysalo scored in the ninth minute on a breakaway, but Stetson battled back to tie the match on a penalty kick with five minutes remaining Tuesday at the Athletic Training Center. The Knights controlled possession and fired four shots in the first overtime before the Hatters found the game-winning goal in the 102nd minute.
"We are having trouble closing out games," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We are up 1-0 and Stetson really was not overly dangerous as many of their shots were from distance.
"In the second half, we played too defensive and did not try to connect passes, possess the ball and create more chances for ourselves. Towards the end, we lacked a little bit of discipline and that falls squarely on my shoulders."
The Hatters (4-7-2) scored the golden goal following a Knights' (3-8-0) defensive miscue. Finn Bushmann tallied the marker with assists being credited to Caleb Sandon and Luke Ferreira.
On The Break
- Matias Pyysalo scored his team-leading eight goal of the season during the ninth minute.
- The Helsinki, Finland was sent on a breakaway by junior Walker Dawkins, who alertly intercepted a pass in the defensive zone and started a counter attack.
- Pyysalo was clear of the Hatters' defense for the final 35 yards and calmly beat the keeper with a shot to the far corner.
- He now has 20 points on the campaign, tying his total from last season.
Knights' Notables
- A season-high six shots, four on goal, were fired by freshman Cal Jennings.
- Freshman goalkeeper Matt Rosenberg made six saves during the contest.
- Two shots each were tallied by senior Phil Hicks and Pyysalo.
- Stetson registered a game-high 22 shots, but many of those opportunities came from outside the box.
- This was the Knights first overtime match of the season.
Up Next
- UCF returns to home on Saturday against conference-foe No. 24 UConn at 7 p.m. It's Fan Appreciation Knight with t-shirts, scarves, bobbleheads and sunglasses being given away.
- The Knights are back on the road Oct. 25 at FIU with the start set for 7 p.m. before heading to Temple on Oct. 29.
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite team by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android phone! The app provides personalized information for men's and women's teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and even breaking news.
Single game tickets to see the Knights start at just $5. Click here more information, or call 407-UCF-1000.