ORLANDO, Fla. – The UCF men's soccer team is back in action this weekend as they host Memphis on Saturday at 6 p.m.
The Knights have been creating chances through their first four matches but haven't been able to fill up the net quite yet. The Black and Gold are 24th in the country in shots on goal per game with a 6.5 mark and 34th in the nation in shot attempts per match with a 13.5 clip. UCF is ninth in NCAA DI men's soccer in corner kicks, averaging 8.5 per match. The numbers from this year are similar to those of 2019 where the Knights led the nation in corner kicks (8.3), were 22nd in shots on goal (6.6) and 8th in shot attempts (16.5).
This will be the first meeting between the two sides this season. UCF clinched the American Athletic Conference regular season title the last time these teams met, securing a 1-0 victory from the strength of a Gianluca Arcangeli goal in the final 10 minutes.
The Knights lead the all-time series against Memphis, boasting an 11-7-4 record. They haven't lost to the Tigers in their last three meetings, winning the last two and ending the third in a 1-1 draw. UCF and Memphis have gone to overtime in five of their last ten matches and have seen their 12 previous tilts decided by a goal or less.
Memphis comes to Orlando with a 1-2 record this season. They've had a tough schedule to start their 2021 campaign, falling to SMU twice by a combined score of 7-0. Their lone win of the season was against Temple as the Tigers collected a 2-1 double overtime victory in Philadelphia. Memphis finished their 2019 campaign with a 10-7 record and very well could have been an NCAA Tournament team if a few more breaks had gone their way.
The Knights have protected their home pitch well over Scott Calabrese's tenure. Since his arrival at the beginning of the 2017 season, UCF has compiled a 22-5-5 record.
A win would give UCF their 400th victory in program history. The Knights eclipsed their 300th win as a Division I program last season on the road at UConn, where the Black and Gold earned a 2-1 overtime victory.
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. For more information, please visit the 2020-21 UCF Olympic Sports A-Z Guide which is linked to this preview.
FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF Men's Soccer on social media on Facebook (/UCFMensSoccer), Twitter (@UCF_MSoccer) and Instagram (@UCF.MSoccer).
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