ORLANDO – The UCF Women's soccer team fought hard against the no. 13 Ole Miss Rebels, but fell 2-1 on Sunday night at the UCF Soccer Complex.
Both teams found little momentum in the opening 15 minutes, as each tried to find some domination in the midfield. Though after sustained pressure, Ole Miss found the back of the net in the 18th minute on an Aubrey Mister goal just outside the six-yard box.
Moments later, both teams were sent back to the locker rooms as lightning entered the area. After an hour delay, the Rebels netted their second on a header by Mo O'Connor.
The chances were hard to come by for the Knights in the first, they finished the half with two shots.
Just over one minute into the second half, the Knights got a goal back. Katie Bradley played Dayana Martin down the line, who got past her defender and played a perfect cross that found Anna Henderson who calmly placed it in the back of the net.
That goal sparked some energy and the Knights continued to put sustained pressure on the Rebels. The game was kept within one on a fantastic save by Caroline DeLisle, who jumped and pushed over an Ole Miss shot in the 73rd minute.
UCF had a flurry of chances in the final five minutes that was almost rewarded as Ariel Young got her head on a ball by Mathilde Kack that was tipped over the net by the Rebels keeper, which sealed the match for Ole Miss.
The Knights recorded eight shots and four on goal in the second half but couldn't find the equalizer.
This is UCF's first loss on the season and first home loss in three matches, dating back to last season. The squad will look to bounce back with a statement win against no.1 North Carolina in Chapel Hill next Sunday.
