Women’s Soccer
In a match that handed Texas their first loss of the season, UCF women’s soccer disrupted the Longhorn’s undefeated record in a 2-0 victory played last Friday, September 12.
With their third consecutive inclement weather delay, the Knights remained focused as they rode out the storm, picking up where they left off at the 18 minute mark. Texas, having an unblemished record to uphold, put up a fight that held the Knights off until the first goal, made by Jennifer Martin, came through in the second half.
“Texas came out on fire, which we expected,” said head coach Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak. “They were fresh and had nothing to lose. To deal with Texas’ pressure and be able to pull another goal out late by Tati was great. I really felt like we grew tonight, I really feel like tonight everybody put in their best. We played to our standard today and that was really great to see.”
University of Texas put the pressure on UCF (5-2-0) by outshooting them 10-5 in the second half, aiming for the equalizer to stay in the game. The fate of the Longhorns sealed in the 86th minute, where American Athletic Conference Player of the Week Tatiana Coleman put an unassisted goal in the back of the net. Though upset, UT (4-2-2) continued on with their heads held high.
“I’m proud of the way our team responded after the delay,” Texas head coach Angela Kelly said. “I thought we played inspired and the energy was really great after the break, coming up with six of our 10 second-half shots over the last 17 minutes. UCF is a high quality opponent, and I really respect their coaching staff.”
The Knights held Oregon at bay Sunday, the 14th, outshooting the Beavers an astonishing 33-1 in their 4-0 victory.
Junior midfielder Amanda Wilkin made her first two goals of the season in the game while Tatiana Coleman made her fifth goal of the season, and a second game-winner to go along with it. Both Wilkin and Colman, along with Ashley Spivey, brought their team to the second shutout of the weekend.
Handed a fifth straight loss, Oregon (0-6-2) was no match for UCF.
“It was a tough loss to a very good UCF side,” said Oregon head coach Linus Rhode. “I think they will go far this season.”
UCF will face No. 23 Long Beach State Friday, September 19th at 7:00pm ET.
Men’s Soccer
Akron, celebrating their 60th anniversary, claimed victory against the Men’s team, drawing a crowd of 2,785 to the 2-1 match Friday night.
Romario Williams led the team with three out of the five shots made by UCF (1-3-0) on Akron (2-2-1), only one, made by Williams in a penalty shot, connected in the end. Head coach Bryan Cunningham made note of the team’s performance, crediting the one goal game to the goal made by Williams but also the leadership coming from junior midfielder Mason Miller.
“Our plan going in was to start strong and try to score early,” said Cunningham. “Unfortunately, we gave up the first goal and started to chase the game too much… I give our players a lot of credit for battling back and making it a one goal game, but we were unable to manufacture another chance to equalize.”
“Mason was tremendous for us,” Cunningham continued. “He provided leadership and experience in the midfield for us tonight. He has a strong work ethic and that showed. He was a big engine in there and helped to disrupt their possession.”
The men’s team tied the College of Charleston (2-3-1) in the two-day tournament 1-1.
Freshman Matias Pyysalo scored the equalizer in the second half to even the match through overtime and to the end.
“In the second half, we told the players that there is a goal out there for us, but we could not give away the second one. Give our players credit for being resilient and hanging around. We were able to equalize and had a few chances to earn a victory, but unfortunately it did not happen and the match ended in a draw.”
Senior goalkeeper Sebastian Evers made a season-high of 12 saves during the match, two made in a crucial overtime period.
UCF men’s soccer hosts North Florida Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 7 p.m. ET.
