STORRS, Conn. (UCFKnights.com) - Facing a raucous sellout crowd of 5,100, UCF used a goal in the third minute by sophomore Cal Jennings to quiet Joseph J. Morrone Stadium and had a response for each goal by the Huskies in a 3-2 victory over UConn on Saturday. Jennings registered his second brace of the season.
"I am so proud of this team's effort and spirit tonight," head coach Scott Calabrese said. "Here we are in October and we are continuing to improve with each game and each training session and that is a testament to our players."
The victory over UConn (7-5-2, 4-1 The American) was the second result for the Knights (3-5-2, 2-2-1 The American) this season against a Top 25 squad with the first being a 0-0 2OT draw at No. 14 West Virginia. It was the first road win for the program since a 2-1 triumph over No. 17 SMU (10/14/12).
JOY FOR JENNINGS
- A perfect cross from freshman Hattabiou Barry allowed for Jennings to bury a shot in the third minute.
- The early goal for UCF was its quickest strike of the season.
- The Roswell, Ga., native tallied his second goal on a cross by junior Ricardo Oliveros in the 72nd minute.
- Jennings increased his goal total to five on the year.
"Our attacking group was really dangerous tonight. Cal was clinical in front of goal. The players are developing a better understanding of each other and that has made a big difference."
-Head Coach Scott Calabrese
THE FINNISH FINISHER
- Senior Matias Pyysalo tallied his ninth goal of the season in the 54th minute to put the Knights up 2-0.
- He took a feed from Jennings and powered a strike past the keeper from 20-yards out.
- The Helsinki, Finland, native recorded his team-leading ninth goal of the season.
GETTING DEFENSIVE
- The UCF backline of senior Joel Vartiainen, juniors Andreas Steineger, Zachary Waitman and freshman Jack McCloskey kept a talented UConn squad off the board in the first half.
- A total of five saves were made by freshman Matthew Rosenberg, who notched his second-consecutive victory.
- UConn applied a lot of pressure during the second half, firing seven shots and cutting the Knights lead to 2-1 and 3-2.
- The Knights kept the Huskies off the board in the final 13 minutes to preserve the 3-2 victory.
- UCF also posted its second-straight win over UConn in the all-time series after dropping seven of the first eight meetings.
NEXT UP
- The Knights head home to face Florida Atlantic on Tuesday at 7 p.m. at the UCF Soccer Complex.
- UCF will recognize its seniors - Matias Pyysalo, Neico Regent and Joel Vartiainen - prior to its Oct. 28 game against Temple.
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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