ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – In the first look of the Knights under head coach Scott Calabrese, UCF tallied three goals in the first 23 minutes of action to ignite the crowd at the UCF Soccer Complex. The Knights continued building their lead and recorded a 9-1 victory against Tampa in thier first exhibition match of the preseason.
The offensive outburst was triggered following two-goal games by juniors Ricardo Oliveros, Cal Jennings and freshman Brandon Golding. Oliveros and Golding each added an assist to tally five-point matches.
"We are happy with our attitude and approach to the game," Calabrese said. "We worked hard. We were positive in our play. We tried to attack and go forward.
"We have asked for them to produce quality. We have asked for them to work hard in training and they have done that. They have come out with the right attitude and its only six days in [to preseason]."
SETTING THE TONE
- The Knights struck first in the 13th minute as freshman Louis Perez sent a pass down the far side to Oliveros, who beat the keeper on a shot.
- Just 90 seconds later, sophomore Richard Amon took a cross from Oliveros to increase the lead to 2-0.
- The Knights extended their advantage to 3-0 when junior Gorka Aperribay deflected a pass from classmate Jonathan Dean into the goal.
"It's important getting out there in the first 15 minutes and getting a goal. It really takes a lot of pressure off our shoulders. It lets the guys relax, but of course, we have to keep up the intensity. Scoring early is always key."
-F Ricardo Oliveros
ON THE COUNTER
- The Knights were opportunistic throughout the match and converted on their opportunities.
- UCF created high-quality chances, scoring nine goals on 12 shots on target.
- A bad pass by the Spartans lead to a 3-on-1 that featured a cross by senior Matias Pyysalo to Jennings, who found the back of the net.
- Golding turned a misplayed ball in the air into a breakaway to put the Knights on top 6-0 in the first three minutes of the second half.
"Our counters were very effective. I think we caught them off guard a lot of times. That is going to be a great addition to our attack this year."
-F Matias Pyysalo
NOTING THE KNIGHTS
- The Knights added goals from junior Noah Murphy and Golding in the final seven minutes of the contest.
- The shutout bid for UCF came to an end with a marker by Tampa in the 86th minute.
- Earlier in the day, Pyysalo was tabbed as The American Offensive Player of the Year by the league's coaches.
"It was good to see that we were able to possess the ball. We were able to move the ball quickly and played the ball forward to create chances. That's primarily what we worked on to this point in preseason. It's good to see that the things we are doing right now in training are beginning to translate into a game setting."
-Head coach Scott Calabrese
NEXT UP
- The Knights wrap up exhibition play on Saturday at 7 p.m. against Georgia Southern.
- UCF opens the Calabrese era on Aug. 25 at Duke. The home opener is set for Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. against Charlotte.
A NEW ERA
The UCF men's soccer team is set to begin its first campaign under the guidance of head coach Scott Calabrese and will welcome seven teams to the UCF Soccer Complex. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
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