Written by José Terrassa.
Over their past four matches, the UCF Knights women’s soccer team has put together a strong stretch, finishing with two wins and two draws, showing grit, defensive organization, and a growing offensive identity.
The most impressive victory came in a 2–1 win over Oklahoma State, where UCF controlled the tempo, dominated the shot count, and struck with a left-footed goal from Liz Worden in the 31st minute before Rajanah Reed added the eventual game-winner early in the second half. Worden and Reed were relentless in the attack, and their production, paired with steady defending, powered UCF through late pressure.
UCF then battled to a 1–1 draw on the road against Houston, opening the match with a quick 13th-minute goal by Honoka Hamano, assisted by Worden and Reed, before Houston equalized in the second half. Despite opportunities, UCF couldn’t regain the lead, but their build-up play showed chemistry and consistency in the final third.
Returning home, UCF secured another marquee win by defeating No. 16 Baylor, 2–1, in a statement performance. The Knights struck first when defender Jada Silvest scored off a set-piece, and Rajanah Reed buried the second goal to seize full control. Baylor peppered the net with shots, but goalkeeper Genesis Perez Watson delivered a standout performance with nine saves to protect the lead and seal one of UCF’s best wins of the year.
The four-game run began with a 0–0 draw against Cincinnati, a defensive grind that showcased the back line’s discipline and UCF’s ability to stay composed on the road, even on a day when the attack couldn’t break through.
Across these four contests, UCF’s identity has become clear: a resilient, defensively locked-in squad anchored by strong goalkeeping, combined with an offense driven by the trio of Worden, Reed, and Hamano. Worden continues to create chances, Reed has emerged as a reliable finisher, and Hamano adds creativity in the buildup. The Knights are unbeaten in their last four and have momentum, but their next step will be turning tight draws into decisive wins as they push deeper into the season.
