vs. Northwestern (10-05) - Images by UCF KnightsORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – After generating numerous opportunities, UCF sophomore Anton Delwer broke a scoreless draw in the 73rd minute with his first-career goal. A three-save shutout was registered by freshman Matt Rosenberg to secure the Knights' 1-0 victory vs. Northwestern Wednesday at the UCF Soccer Complex.
"At the end of the day, I am so satisfied with the progress of this team," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We had a rough start to the season, but this team has believed in the process of what we are doing. It is starting to show now, not only in our possession, shots and attack, but in our results.
"When the goalkeeper made seven saves in the first half, we told our guys that it was going to take something special. We were going to have to be scrappy and that is exactly what we did in the second half."
The Knights (3-5-0) played the final eight minutes with a man advantage after the Northwestern (2-8-1) keeper was sent off for taking down junior Neico Regent with a hard foul in a one-on-one situation outside the box.
BIG BOOT
- Sophomore Anton Delwer fired a heavy shot into the back of the net in the 73rd minute following a scramble in front of the net.
- The goal was set up by a cross-goal header by senior Javier Clavijo following junior Matias Pyysalo's free kick from the left wing.
- It was the first goal for Gothenberg, Sweden, native as a Knight.
- A few minutes before that goal. The Knights had the keeper out position, but the shot by junior Neico Regent was deflected away by a Northwestern defender.
"I thought that we did well on the first ball and competed for the second ball. Again, it was a scrappy, scramble there and it was going to take a little bit of oomph. Anton did that, really peppered it into the back of the net."
-Head Coach Bryan Cunningham
A PAIR OF CLEAN SHEETS
- Freshman Matt Rosenberg delivered his second-consecutive shutout for the Knights.
- The Manalapan, N.J., native made three saves in the match, all in the first half.
- Four shots were fired by the Wildcats in each frame.
- The Knights back four kept Northwestern to shots from distance and were able to control crosses into the box.
- Senior Javier Clavijo appeared in the 50th match of his career against the Wildcats.
- Iron Knight Jonathan Dean has played in all 720 minutes for the Knights this season.
"It is definitely rare for a freshman to be as comfortable as he is. I feel confident with him in the goal. He is going to be big for us the next four year."
-Sophomore Jonathan Dean
"Matt has been sharp. It is a credit to the guys in front of him that are helping him. He has done a really good job with his temperament of controlling the box and making the saves that he has to make."
-Head Coach Bryan Cunningham.
FEELIN' IT IN THE FIRST HALF
- The Knights fired eight shots, of which seven ended up on target.
- These led to numerous opportunities for UCF, but Northwestern was able to escape with a scoreless frame.
- A pair of shots each were registered by Gorka Aperribay, Walker Dawkins and Neico REgent
- The Wildcats did settle into the match and came away with four shots and three on goal, most of those came in the final 20 minutes of the frame.
"We had a very similar match with them last year, where we had plenty of chances. We told the guys at halftime, lets control our own fate and continue doing what we are doing. It is just going to take a little bit more effort facing a hot goalkeeper."
-Head Coach Bryan Cunningham
NEXT UP
- The Knights start a three-match road trip on Saturday with an 8 p.m. ET meeting at Memphis.
- UCF is back home on Oct. 22 at UConn.
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