Knights Fall to Florida Gulf Coast to Start 3-game Road Trip

First-year University of Central Florida head coach Scott Calabrese has had a difficult start to the season, winning just once in five games.

By
Victor Tan
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University of Central Florida forward Gorka Aperribay chases a ball during a 9-1 win over the University of Tampa at the UCF Soccer and Track Complex on Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2017. (Photo by Victor Tan / New Day Review)
(Photo by Victor Tan / New Day Review)

Match Recap

University of Central Florida head coach Scott Calabrese’s first season at the helm has not started well. Following two successful preseason friendlies, wherein the Knights outscored their opponents 10-0, UCF has since mustered just one win in five matches. That five-game stretch was capped by a 1-0 loss to Florida Gulf Coast University Tuesday evening at FGCU Soccer Complex in front of 653 fans.

FGCU (2-3-1) scored the winning goal in the 80th minute off the head of Preston Kilwien. It was just one of the Eagles’ three on-target shots. UCF (1-3-1), however, managed fewer, recording two on-target attempts. Beginning in the 77th minte, Kilwien started FGCU’s attack. His shot high gave warning to the Knights that a goal was coming, as Kilwien scored just three minutes later off a corner kick delivered by Chris Clement. The initial corner was deflected before Kilwien headed it over Knights goalkeeper Matt Rosenberg.

Knights midfielder Matias Pyysalo recorded his team’s first on-target shot in the 24th minute before receiving the first of three UCF yellow cards in the 31st minute. Forward Gorka Aperribay sent a header toward goal in the 49th minute, but it was saved by FGCU goalkeeper Connor Gavigan.

The Knights battled to the end, though, as Noah Murphy and Yoni Sorokin each took wide-right shots in the 82nd and 85th minutes, respectively. Sorokin’s shot was UCF’s final attempt at an equalizer.

Man of the Match: Preston Kilwien

Kilwien had the lone goal of the match, scoring the game-winner late in the second half. He finished the game with a game-high three shots (one on goal) and one goal. His three shots was nearly half of all of UCF’s seven total shots.

What’s next?

The Knights will continue their three-game road trip with a trip down I-4 to the University of South Florida on Saturday at 7 p.m. to start American Athletic Conference play.

Highlights

NDR Notes

  • This is the second time UCF has recorded just seven shots. In a 2-0 loss to Duke University, the Knights mustered seven shots (four on goal).
  • UCF started last season 1-4-0 before finishing 2016 with a 5-11-0 record.
  • With FGCU’s goal, UCF’s streak of 344 minutes without being scored on was ended.
  • Rosenberg made his first start of the season.

Scoring

Time Team Goal-scorer Assisted by
80’ Florida Gulf Coast University Preston Kilwien n/a

Statistics and Starting Lineups

Goals Assists Shots Shots on Goal Possession %
Florida Gulf Coast University 1 0 11 3 n/a
University of Central Florida 0 0 7 2 n/a

FGCU starting XI (n/a): n/a

UCF starting XI (n/a): n/a

For more on the Knights, as they look to battle back from a losing start to the season, follow Victor Tan on Twitter at @NDR_VictorTan.

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