ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) – The 2018 campaign officially begins for the No. 16 UCF women’s soccer team on Sunday as the Knights host FGCU in a 6 p.m. contest at the UCF Soccer Complex.
Gates will open at 5 p.m. and the first 200 UCF students will receive a free UCF flag.
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UCF opens its season at home for the first time since 2015 and the Knights take on FGCU for the first time in the regular season since 2016. The Black and Gold came away with a 4-3 victory in Fort Myers. Overall, UCF leads the series 4-0-1.
The Knights return experience at every position in 2018, headlined by MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List honoree and The American Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Vera Varis. Preseason all-conference selection Dina Orschmann and 2017 All-Rookie Team member Stefanie Sanders, both of whom have been playing for Germany at the U20 Women’s World Cup, also return for the Knights this season. In addition to its returners, UCF added depth with a pair of transfers, Konya Plummer and Samantha Chung, to go along with nine freshmen, including Orlando native Kristen Scott.
UCF earned a pair of shutout victories in exhibition play, scoring a combined five goals between the two contests. In its first outing, the Knights picked up a 2-0 victory over Wyoming, seeing goals from Plummer and freshman Mathilde Kack. In a 3-0 win at North Florida, Plummer was joined on the score sheet by Scott and junior Zandy Soree.
FGCU brings a 1-0 record to Orlando after defeating Georgia Southern, 3-0, in its season opener. The Eagles feature ASUN Preseason Goalkeeper of the Year Melissa Weck, Preseason Defender of the Year Lindsey Patton and preseason all-conference selection Holly Fritz. Last season, FGCU posted a 14-4-1 overall record to win the ASUN and earn an NCAA Tournament bid.
Next up, the Knights make a trip to Chapel Hill, N.C. to face No. 17 Texas and No. 6 UNC on Aug. 24 and 26, respectively.
DON'T MISS OUT
The UCF women's soccer team is set for its sixth season under head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and will welcome five teams from the 2017 NCAA Tournament to the UCF Soccer Complex in 2018. Click here or call (407) 823-1000 for ticket information.
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