Magical MatiasMagical Matias

Magical Matias

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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – UCF midfielder Matias Pyysalo made his impact on Senior Knight with a goal in the 50th minute to lift the Knights over Temple, 1-0, on Saturday at the UCF Soccer Complex.
 
The Knights (6-5-2, 3-2-1 The American) extend their unbeaten streak to six matches. UCF also controls its destiny of finishing in the top four of the conference standings and earning a berth into the American Athletic Conference Championship with a win at Cincinnati on Nov. 4.
 
THE FINNISH FINISHER

  • Freshman Yoni Sorokin forced a turnover in the midfield and started a counter in the 50th minute.
  • He delivered a perfect ball to lead Pyysalo into a breakaway.
  • The Helsinki, Finland, native finished the play by placing the ball into the top corner.
  • It was his league-leading 11th marker of the campaign and 29th of his career as a Knight, moving into a tie for fifth in program history with Mack Lamb (1984-87).

STAYING ON THE ATTACK

  • After taking a lead early in the second half, UCF continued applying pressure to Temple.
  • The Knights fired off four shots in the second half, including a couple close calls that could have increased their lead.
  • Goalkeeper Matthew Rosenberg registered his third shutout of the season by making two stops.

SENIOR KNIGHT

  • The Knights recognized seniors Matias Pyysalo, Neico Regent and Joel Vartiainen prior to the match.
  • Pyysalo is one of the top midfielders in program history, scoring 10 goals in each of the past two campaigns and earning 2016 The American Player of the Year honors. He is also tied for fifth all-time in program history with 29 goals.
  • Regent has tallied three goals in his career and appeared in 36 matches, making 24 starts.
  • Vartiainen is a mainstay on the backline and registered 25 starts in his career

NEXT UP

  • The Knights conclude the regular season on Nov. 4 at Cincinnati.
  • UCF looks to earn a berth the 2017 American Athletic Conference Championship on Nov. 11-13 at the site of the regular season champion.

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