With five clean sheets through their first six games this fall, the Black and Gold this season became the first team in program history to record at least five defensive shutouts through the first six games of a season, and Hébert became the first goalkeeper in Division I men’s soccer this season to eclipse five clean sheets as well.
With the halftime whistle just under 12 minutes away, UCF’s offensive corps found the early start it was looking for, when freshman forward Alex Partera received a pass from senior Kenn Muendo halfway into the Knights’ offensive end.
Partera dribbled in a few paces before sending a feed to Hansen just above the 18-yard box. The redshirt junior then fought his way through a trio of Rams defenders before chipping a try over a save attempt by VCU goalkeeper Manuel Monteiro in the 34th minute.
The score represented Hansen’s fourth goal in his last two games, on the heels of the Cleveland, North Carolina native’s first career hat trick against Florida Polytechnic Sept. 6, marking a new personal single-season career best and his 10th career goal. Hansen also notched his second consecutive contest with a game-winner, matching his previous single-season career best of two.
Just moments later, defender Hugo Vogel, one of 13 newcomers on this year’s squad, gave his team a bit of breathing room with his first career Division I goal and UCF’s second of the match.
Junior forward/midfielder Izán Martínez, in his first year on the pitch after missing the 2025 slate due to injury, received a pass from sophomore defender Jem Hewlett near the far sideline and brought the ball in toward the middle of the offensive end.
Just before absorbing a hit from a Rams defender, Martínez was able to send a pass toward Vogel near the top of the 18-yard box, who sent a quick strike just inside the far goalpost and past a diving Monteiro.
The early offense proved enough for Hébert, who produced his second career eight-save performance in the winning effort, joining his eight-save effort against Ohio State Oct. 3, 2025, that secured his third career B1G Goalkeeper of the Week honor in his two seasons with the Wisconsin Badgers.
Hébert, aided by his defense in front of him, was able to weather a storm that saw the Rams produce 27 total shot attempts, including 25 in the final 45 minutes of play. All eight of Hébert’s saves were made in the second half as well.
UP NEXT
As the team continues its three-game road trip, UCF will kick off Sun Belt Conference play with a Friday evening tilt in Harrisonburg, Virginia, against the James Madison Dukes. Opening kick is set for 7 p.m. from Sentara Park and will be streamed live on ESPN+.
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.
