NORFOLK, Va. – The UCF men’s soccer team jumped out to an early first-half advantage and enjoyed another strong night from senior goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, but settled for a 1-1 draw against the Old Dominion Monarchs Saturday evening.
Though the Black and Gold left the ODU Soccer Complex without a victory, the team has now gone unbeaten in each of its last four matches and has yielded one or fewer goals in five straight games.
UCF grabbed the early lead Saturday courtesy of senior Malick Thiaw’s fourth goal of the campaign, when the veteran midfielder took a feed from fellow senior Frederic Benedix and scored from just outside the six-yard box in the 14th minute of action.
Thiaw’s latest tally set a new personal single season career-best, surpassing his three goals scored throughout his debut 2024 season with the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The Monarchs then leveled the score in the 24th minute of play, sending the teams to the halftime break deadlocked at one goal apiece.
Muñoz was perfect throughout the remainder of the contest, making three more second-half saves while his team outshot the Monarchs 8-4 during the final 45 minutes, but a game-winner proved elusive.
With his fifth consecutive match allowing one or fewer goals and eighth such contest through 12 starts this season, Muñoz lowered his season goals-against average to 1.17 and bolstered his season save percentage to .720.
UP NEXT
UCF will look to return to the win column on its home pitch in a midweek matchup against the James Madison Dukes. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. from the UCF Soccer Complex Wednesday, Oct. 22 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 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.