ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The new era of UCF men's soccer is just getting started as head coach Scott Calabrese signed a contract extension of one year putting him in charge of the program through the 2022 campaign.
Calabrese was announced as head coach in December of 2016 leading into the 2017 season. In one year with the Knights, the Black and Gold finished runner-up in the American Athletic Conference regular season after winning their last four league matches and tallying an eight-match unbeaten streak to finish the season 8-6-2.
"We are excited about the progress Scott Calabrese has made leading our men's soccer program," said UCF vice president and director of athletics Dr. Daniel J. White. "Scott is taking our program in a positive direction as the culture of soccer continues to grow in Orlando and throughout the region. He is well known as a program-builder and I'm looking forward to seeing our men's soccer program continue to grow under his leadership."
The Newton, Conn. native also led six Knights, the second-most in program history, to All-Conference accolades, while also placing four on the The American Conference All-Tournament team.
In his senior year, Matias Pyysalo was named The American Offensive Player of the Year under the guidance of Calabrese after netting 12 goals and recording five assists for 29 points.
"I want to thank Dr. Danny White and Nicole Harvey for the opportunity to serve the UCF athletic department and to lead the men's soccer program," said Calabrese. "The holistic environment that we are able to create for our student athletes wouldn't be possible without their support, vision and leadership."
Prior to his arrival at UCF, Calabrese spent three seasons at FIU, taking the program to its first NCAA Tournament appearance in over 10 years by capturing the 2015 Conference USA Championship. He helped the Panthers to consecutive appearances in the finals at the C-USA Championship.
"I am excited about the amazing growth and development of our athletics department and our men's soccer program and feel very fortunate to be a part of the UCF family," added Calabrese.
The 2018 squad returns 21 including all-conference honorees, Cal Jennings, Yoni Sorokin, Andreas Steineger, Hattabiou Barry, and Louis Perez.