Men's Soccer Falls in Season-Opener to North Carolina, 3-1Men's Soccer Falls in Season-Opener to North Carolina, 3-1

Men's Soccer Falls in Season-Opener to North Carolina, 3-1

by Ryan Ladika
Box Score

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – A handful of thrilling moments saw the squad out to an early advantage, but the UCF men’s soccer team would eventually fall in its 2025 season-opener to the North Carolina Tar Heels, 3-1, at Dorrance Field Thursday evening.

Led by early heroics by veteran Knights goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, the Black and Gold weathered a fast start by the home 11 to keep the contest scoreless through the first 20 minutes of action.

Muñoz was tested early, making a routine save just over four minutes into the match amid an opening period that saw five Tar Heel shot attempts.

Despite North Carolina’s efficient beginning, UCF snagged the game’s first lead in the 21st minute, on the strength of an accurate cross-field pass from freshman defender Jem Hewlett to junior forward Lilian Ricol, two of nine Knights 2025 newcomers to appear in the contest.

Hewlett gathered the ball off a pass from Muñoz and dribbled a few strides before sending his long assist to Ricol on the other end of the pitch just outside the penalty area.

The French forward fended off a Tar Heel defender while maintaining possession, and sent a quick strike past the outstretched right leg of North Carolina goalkeeper Andrew Cordes.

Moments later, Muñoz stole the show on the other side, denying consecutive Tar Heel shot attempts by Nacho Abeal just seconds apart in the 26th minute to keep the Black and Gold’s one-goal lead intact.

North Carolina would even the match seconds later, forcing a 1-1 score at halftime before rallying for two more goals in the second half to claim its 3-1 win.

Five of UCF’s eight total shot attempts were registered by newcomers, as senior Limestone transfer Claudel N’goubou notched a team-high three, accompanied by one from both Ricol and junior Lindsey Wilson transfer Kenn Muendo.

Clarence Awoudor, Joey Mueller and Alex Smith were responsible for the Knights’ remaining three tries, while Muñoz finished the evening with three saves in his 38th career match.

UP NEXT
The Knights will look to bounce back in the conclusion of their season-opening two-game swing through North Carolina, when the squad will face off against No. 6 Wake Forest in Winston-Salem Sunday evening.

The Demon Deacons opened their season at home against Maryland Thursday evening, but inclement weather forced the cancelation of the match, which was ruled a no-contest after the completion of the first half.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from Spry Stadium Sunday night, and will be streamed live on ACCNX.

TICKETS
UCF men’s soccer season and single-game tickets are on sale now. Please visit ucfknights.com/tickets for more information or call the ticket office at (407) 823-1000.

ABOUT UCF ATHLETICS
UCF is a proud member of the Big 12 Conference. Our mission is to positively transform the lives of our students academically, athletically, and personally through a nationally competitive intercollegiate athletics program that enhances the reputation and visibility of the University. We strive to be Florida's preeminent athletic program representing UCF and our community with distinction on the national stage as "Orlando's Hometown Team". To learn more about UCF and Athletics, please visit our websites at www.ucf.edu and www.ucfknights.com.