Philadelphia, Pa. – The UCF women's soccer team earned its first victory of the season in their first match on the road with a 1-0 win over American Athletic Conference foe Temple.
"The team did an amazing job in the face of adversity," said women's soccer head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. "Between the COVID-19 protocols, the cancellation of our lone preseason match, going on the road into some very tough conditions for our first game in over 450 days, I think they were just ready to deal with any challenges that were thrown their way."
It took a matter of minutes for Katie Bradley to leave her mark on the first game of her collegiate career, giving the Knights the lead with a goal just past the two-minute mark. Katie Bradley took the first of what would end up being 16 shots for the Black and Gold, outshooting the Owls 16-4.
Mallory Olsson earned a brace in the first game back in action for the Knights, picking up her first goal thanks to an assist from Kristen Scott just before the half hour mark in the match. Continuing to apply offensive pressure in the second half, Olsson earned her second goal and UCF's third of the match off of an assist from freshman Sarai Linder.
Taming Temple
- The Knights three goals against the Owls is the most by a UCF team in a season opener since Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak's UCF coaching debut in 2016, where they defeated Washington 3-0.
- UCF controlled most of the attack in the contest, tallying 16 shots with 10 on goal. Temple managed to put three shots on frame, all saved by Caroline DeLisle, while the Knights tallied 10 shots on goal.
- Trescott Shamlou picks up her first assist of the year, and her UCF career on Katie Bradley's second-minute goal.
- Mallory Olsson's pair of goals is a new career-high and marks her first multi-goal game of her career.
- Freshman Sarai Linder picks up her first collegiate assist after an over-the-top pass to Mallory Olsson for her second goal of the game.
- After picking up 10 clean sheets in the Fall 2019 season, Caroline DeLisle picked up her first of the 2020-21 campaign with three saves.
- Six Knights made their Black and Gold debuts on the road at Temple – Sarai Linder, Katie Bradley, Jade Barkett, Maggie Jenkins, Kailey Scott, and Trescott Shamlou
Thoughts from Head Coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak
"Coming out of the gates strong and scoring an early goal takes a lot of pressure off right away. And to have a young player like Katie Bradley, making her first start as a Knight to make an impact so quickly, has to be a huge confidence booster for her. She had a fantastic game and established herself as a strong attacking midfielder for us. Overall, I think it was a great team performance, a lot of possession, and a lot of patience to build the attack for our goals."
"We also had five players come off the bench today, and I'm very proud of the impact they were able to make on the game. Specifically, the production from Mallory Olsson – she regularly stays after training to put in extra work and she is always one of the most positive, patient, and hardworking players on the team. So, to see her put in the work and have it pay off for her, I'm proud."
NEXT UP
The Knights will return to the UCF Soccer Complex to host Cincinnati on Sunday, Feb. 21 at 1:00 p.m. Cincinnati's season opener was rescheduled due to weather, so this will be their first match of the 2020-21 campaign.
TICKETING, MASKING & CAPACITY
The UCF Soccer Complex will allow 25 percent of total fan capacity at home matches this season. No ticket is required for entry as matches are free to attend. Masks are required and must be worn while in the venue and on campus.
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