ORLANDO – After a back-and-forth match, UCF (8-4-0) fell to Texas (9-3-2) 3-1 in defeat, dropping their second Big 12 Conference game of the season Thursday night. An early goal by sophomore Maggie Jenkins in the eighth minute gave the Knights life early, but Texas came back with the equalizer just 10 minutes later.
The goal by Jenkins was not only her first of the season, but the first of her career as a Knight. The sophomore was streaking into the box when forward Chloe Netzel crossed it in allowing Jenkins to put the shot in the upper 90, just out of reach of the Longhorns’ goalkeeper Mia Justus.
On a night where the Knights instead were dubbed as the Citronauts in its annual Space Game, the Longhorns came out just 10 minutes later with the equalizer by Ashlyn Miller from midfield. Texas took the lead on the nation’s leading point scorer Lexi Missimo’s goal just two minutes later. Missimo currently leads the nation in points and assists with 16 goals and 16 assists in just 14 games on the season.
In the second half, UCF more than tripled their shots from the first half with nine shots, four of them on target. The Longhorns kept pressure however, not allowing the ball in the back of the net. The Knights had three corner kicks in the second half after not having one in the first period.
Forward Dayana Martin made the most of her 68 minutes of play with four shots, three on goal. After coming back on in the second half, Martin made her presence known with her signature speed and ability to move the ball up the field. Netzel followed with three shots, one on goal and the lone assist for the Knights.
This loss marks the end of the Black and Gold’s 396-day streak of defending The Kingdom with no losses at home. UCF was looking to hand Texas its first away loss since 2021 when the Knights defeated the Longhorns 4-0.
UP NEXT
The Knights continue their homestand as they take on Baylor Sunday at 1 p.m. for the breast cancer and mental health awareness game. UCF will then play their final home game against No. 7 Texas Tech for Senior Knight on Thursday, Oct. 12.