TAMPA, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – Despite the presence of Hurricane Matthew, the rivalry between UCF and South Florida went on as scheduled Friday night. The Black and Gold split the six points with the Bulls in the war on I-4 after the matched ended in a 1-1 draw.
UCF got on the board first, when junior Morgan Ferrara sent a header on net in the 12th minute notching her fifth goal of the season. Freshman Zandy Soree earned her an assist on the play, feeding Ferrara from the right side of the box.
The Bulls fired back in the 35th minute after the Knights were unable to clear a bouncing ball in the box. Despite several good chances, these would prove to be the only two goals of the match.
The Knights best chance for the win came in the first of two 10-minute overtime periods. It was Ferrara again, who sent a laser off the near post in the 94th minute. Thevshot somehow caromed down the end line across the open goal but did not find its way into the net.
"We have such a great rivalry with South Florida so we knew it would be an emotional match," head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak said. "I just wanted to get back to competing, having passion and showing heart. The team definitely did that."
By the Numbers
• The Knights outshot the Bulls 16-12 including 5-0 in the combined overtime periods.
• Ferrara's goal was her third in the last four games.
• Soree caprtured her third assist on the year.
• Sophomore goalkeeper Vera Varis made three saves on 12 shots (4 SOG).
• The rivals combined for 20 total fouls and two yellow cards.
• UCF held the advantage in corner kicks, 5-3.
• The Black and Gold are now 6-5-1 overall and 1-1-1 in conference play.
War on I-4
• With six points on the line, each team will earn three points for the draw.
• USF continues to lead the season-long series 9-6
• The next available points in the rivalry series will be in Cross Country, as both schools compete at the American Athletic Conference Championship on Oct. 29.
Next Up
• UCF Women's Soccer Presented by Napleton Volkswagon heads back out on the road to face UConn Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. and Temple on Oct. 16 at 1 p.m.
