Hewlett's First Career Brace Leads Men's Soccer over Jacksonville, 2-0Hewlett's First Career Brace Leads Men's Soccer over Jacksonville, 2-0

Hewlett's First Career Brace Leads Men's Soccer over Jacksonville, 2-0

Senior goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz notches ninth career shutout in winning effort

by Ryan Ladika
Box Score

ORLANDO – Those viewing the UCF men’s soccer team’s Thursday evening home tilt against Jacksonville experienced a bit of déjà vu in the second half, provided by one of the team’s youngest newcomers.

“Defenders don’t score often, so it was a little bit of an out-of-body experience when I saw the ball go in the net twice.”

Jem HewlettFreshman Defender

Led by the Bristol, England, native’s first two career goals, both coming on almost identical set pieces, the Knights returned to the win column on their home turf, stifling the Dolphins to the tune of a 2-0 result at the UCF Soccer Complex.

The winning effort, UCF’s second of the fall slate, marked the team’s fifth straight win over the Dolphins dating back to 2015 and its 12th consecutive unbeaten result against Jacksonville since 2002, and pushed the Black and Gold’s all-time record against the Dolphins to 23-13-4.

UCF also went unbeaten in both of its two contests against in-state foes this fall after playing to a 1-1 draw with then-No. 22 South Florida Sept. 4, improving the Knights’ all-time record against in-state rivals under head coach Scott Calabrese to 20-8-3.

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“We had a focus going into this game to be better and more dangerous on set pieces. Those were important moments in the game; they decided the game. We have other players as well who can be really dangerous on set pieces; the service today was very good from Clarence. Just an important part of the game.”

Scott CalabreseHead coach

Indeed, Hewlett scored both of his first two career goals, including the first game-winner of his collegiate career, thanks to near-indistinguishable corner kick plays provided by senior midfielder Clarence Awoudor.

Both goals came via header shots by the defender off Awoudor’s service, the first just before the halftime pause in the 40th minute and the second in the 70th minute.

“It feels great. The deliveries from Clarence were great. That’s what we do, we rehearse these plays in the morning, and that’s why, so we can do it on the pitch. Clarence is a fantastic player and makes my job a lot easier.”

Jem HewlettFreshman defender

Hewlett provided the Knights’ first brace of the young season overall and became the first Knight since Carlos Rojas against UC Irvine Sept. 6, 2024, to record a multi-score affair in their first collegiate season.

With Hewlett’s first career game-winner Thursday as well, he became the first Knight since Drew Hansen against Kentucky Oct. 23, 2024, to clinch their first career game-winning goal and their first career brace in the same match.

“We’ve learned a lot about each other so far this season,” Hewlett continued. “Having those tough times and experiences, we’ve been able to pull from them and relate to them at times, and that’s been really important. Moving forward, we felt what it’s like to be against top teams, and I think we’re a top team. There’s been a lot of growth.”

Awoudor, UCF’s points leader through six matches with eight on the strength of two goals and four assists, registered his fourth consecutive two-point match in the Black and Gold’s Thursday victory with his second multi-assist contest of the season and fifth of his career.

His four straight matches with at least two points represent the longest such stretch of his career as well.

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“If you want to be able to win against teams that don’t allow a lot of chances but you have a lot of the ball, then you’ve got to be effective on those set pieces. I’m really happy that Jem and Clarence were able to link up on those two goals tonight.”

Scott Calabresehead coach

With a pair of saves, including one in just the second minute of action, senior goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz tallied his second clean sheet of the season and ninth of his career, moving into a tie for ninth on the UCF all-time list with Antti Laitinen (1997-99).

The netminder’s career goals-against average also took a dip down to 1.26 through 43 career starts, good for a share of seventh place on the program’s respective all-time list with Shawn Doyle (2009-12).

“It feels really good,” Muñoz said. “At the beginning of the season we were struggling a little bit; we were training well but weren’t getting the results we wanted. Getting this win before starting conference play is really good for this team, and it will help build up our confidence going into next week.”

UP NEXT
The Knights embark on Sun Belt Conference play next week, beginning with a road matchup against the No. 18 Kentucky Wildcats Sept. 19. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. from Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington and will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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.