ORLANDO – One of the most prolific goal-scorers in UCF men’s soccer’s program history, forward Lucca Dourado is taking the next step in his playing career.
As announced by the organization Monday afternoon, the São Paulo, Brazil, native has officially signed with Birmingham Legion FC of the United Soccer League.
Dourado joins the ranks of professional soccer on the heels of a standout five-year tenure with the Knights, during which he totaled 43 goals and six assists on the strength of 191 shot attempts and 90 shots on goal. He also registered 15 game-winning goals and converted four of his six career penalty kick tries.
Upon the conclusion of his collegiate career, his 43 goals ranked fifth most on the UCF all-time list, behind Heikki Ritvanen (88, 1996-99), Randy DeShield (56, 1976-79), Ari Nurmi (47, 1996-99) and Cal Jennings (46, 2016-19). He also departs UCF in sixth place on the all-time career points list, trailing Ritvanen (188), DeShield (126), Nurmi (122), Jennings (107) and Rony Francois (101, 1980-83).
Dourado in 2024 earned Sun Belt All-Conference First Team honors, representing his fourth consecutive campaign tabbed to a conference’s post-season First Team. His six goals not only paced the team, but also ranked eighth most in the Sun Belt overall, and his 12 points finished second on the squad to Clarence Awoudor’s 13.
The forward gained most of his offensive traction down the stretch when his team needed it the most this season, scoring four goals in the team’s last two matches, including his first career hat trick against South Carolina Nov. 1 and an 89th-minute game-winner against Coastal Carolina Nov. 5.
His hat trick in the team’s home final marked the first by a Knight since Alessandro Campoy’s showing against FGCU Sept. 11, 2021, and also lifted him beyond the 40 career goals scored plateau. The effort clinched Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week recognition for Dourado as well.
FOLLOW THE KNIGHTS
Follow UCF men’s soccer on X (@UCF_MSoccer), Instagram (@UCF.MSoccer) and Facebook (/UCFMensSoccer).
GET THE APP
Never miss any UCF Knights news from your favorite teams by downloading the free UCF Knights app right to your iOS or Android devices. The app provides personalized information for men’s and women’s teams, scores, schedules, loyalty programs and breaking news. Click here to download the app now.