FT. MYERS, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – In its fifth-straight match away from home to start the season due to a pair of canceled home games, UCF battled FGCU late into the second half with neither team being able to break the 0-0 deadlock. The Eagles tallied the lone goal Tuesday in the 80th minute off a header on a corner kick at the FGCU Soccer Complex.
The Knights (1-3-1) had a couple chances in the final 10 minutes, including a header by junior Noah Murphy from 10-yards out that went just wide. There was also action in the final five seconds in front of the FGCU (2-2-1) goal, but UCF was unable to find the equalizer.
SHUTOUT STREAK SNAPPED
- The lone goal by the Eagles ended a streak of 344 minutes where the Knights defense had not conceded a goal, dating back to their match vs. Elon (8/27).
- During that stretch, UCF secured results at Jacksonville (4-0) and at No. 14 West Virginia (0-0 2OT).
- The Knights allowed 11 shots against the Eagles, but only three of those were on frame.
- Junior Matthew Rosenberg, who earned his first start of the year at FGCU, made two saves, including one on shot from six-yards out that he deflected wide with his lower body prior to halftime.
- Goalkeepers Yannik Oettl and Rosenberg led the UCF back line – Andreas Stieneger, Francois Dulysse, Jonathan Dean and Zachary Waitman – during the four matches.
NOTING THE KNIGHTS
- Junior Gorka Aperribay paced the Knights with two shots, including one on goal.
- One shot each were tallied by senior Matias Pyysalo (on goal), juniors Cal Jennings, Max Stiegwardt and Cal Jennings.
- The backline for the Knights denied countless crosses by the Eagles, stopping a number of opportunities.
- Junior Jonathan Dean, the reigning American Defensive Player of the Week, halted a 2-on-1 opportunity with a stellar defensive effort and in the process started a counter attack the other way in the 33rd minute.
NEXT UP
- The Knights begin play in The American with a 7 p.m. tilt Saturday at USF in the War on I-4 rivalry series.
- After traveling to SMU on Sept. 29, UCF opens its home slate on Oct. 4 against Stetson at 7 p.m.
A NEW ERA
The UCF men's soccer team is in 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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Membership to Knights Watch, the official supporters group of UCF Soccer, begins at $15 for students and $50 for fans. Packages include tickets to all home contests for men's and women's soccer, a Knights Watch T-Shirt, a soccer scarf and a variety of free catered tailgates. To become a member, click here.
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