TAMPA, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – After settling into the match, UCF scored first in the semifinals of The American Championship when freshman Jesus Colombo found the back of the net in the 61st minute. The Knights played down a man for the final 28 minutes of regulation and USF found the equalizer by converting a penalty kick. The Bulls netted the game-winning marker in the 101st minute at Corbett Stadium.
"I am heartbroken for our team. We have had some great teams during my tenure here – NCAA Tournament and Top 25 teams – and this group is as resilient as they come," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We have been through a lot this year and gave it our all, but fate just wasn't on our side tonight.
"Our fight tonight is a total credit to our senior leadership. They had these guys motivated and fighting all the way to the end."
Senior Javier Clavijo and Diego Bacellar played in their final match as Knights. The duo is also joined by redshirt junior Phil Hicks, who was sidelined due to an injury. Clavijo and Hicks are set to graduate in December.
Despite playing 40 minutes with 10 men, the Knights (5-11-0) continued to play with confidence. The final shot tally during that span was in favor of USF (10-6-2) by a 13-2 margin, but the Knights defense continued fighting. Freshman goalkeeper Matt Rosenberg made six saves during the match.
"Unfortunately when we are playing a man down for that long, tired legs, as much as we were changing people out, were going to catch up with us," Cunningham added. "They had a little half chance there in the second overtime and finished it."
WHAT A SHOT
- Following a mistake by a USF defender, Jesus Colombo struck a shot from 25 yards out that curled around the out-stretched keeper and into the net during the 61st minute.
- The unassisted goal was the second of the season for the freshman.
- The Jacksonville, Fla., native also tallied a marker in the match against Florida Gulf Coast.
"We took a chance and put Jesus up top. He came through and scored a goal. That young man has a bright future in front of him. We are really excited about him and the team that is around him."
-Head coach Bryan Cunningham
AT THE BREAK
- The Knights recorded the final six shots in the half after USF held a 4-1 advantage.
- UCF withstood the Bulls' early attack and started building possession and earning quality opportunities.
- Junior Neico Regent and sophomore Gorka Aperribay each tallied two shots.
- During the 18th minute, the Knights had a dangerous free kick outside the box that was struck by Pyysalo, but the USF keeper made the stop.
SEASON REWIND
- The Knights reached the semifinals at The American Championship after posting league victories against SMU, UConn and Cincinnati.
- UCF played in 12 matches decided by one goal, but only registered four wins during those contests.
- Junior Matias Pyysalo tallied a career-high 10 goals, including six in league play, and was named The American Offensive Player of the Year.
- Freshman Brian Jamba started every match in his first campaign with the Knights, earning a spot on The American All-Rookie Team.
"We had an identity crisis in early September and I asked the group before each game, 'What is your identity?' They finally found that identity, which is that they are warriors. We have most of our team coming back next year. We are excited about that, but the group has to maintain that identity as being warriors. They have to finish games and play smart, whether it is on the road or at home. The challenge to this group is to get back here and try to right a wrong."
-Head coach Bryan Cunningham