UCF fell victim to an own goal on Friday night, losing their first match of the season in Conference USA, as the Knights fell 2-1 to Memphis.
Becca Thomas opened the scoring for UCF when she converted a PK in the 19th minute, but it was the only time UCF would find the back of the net. The Golden Knights dominated the game statistically but couldn’t get the victory as Memphis scored late in the first half and got the game-winner on a Golden Knight own goal in the 89th minute. The entire UCF press release on the game:
An own goal in the 89th minute lifted Memphis over host UCF, 2-1, in Conference USA women’s soccer action at the UCF Soccer Complex on Friday night.
The Golden Knights (6-5-1, 2-1-0 C-USA) scored first on a successful penalty kick by freshman Becca Thomas (Burlington, Wash./Homeschooled) in the 19th minute. Four minutes later, UCF missed the chance to go up 2-0 when senior Jessalyn Withers (Melbourne, Fla./Eau Gallie HS) served the ball to senior and reigning C-USA Offensive Player of the Week Roberta Pelarigo (Sao Paulo, Brazil), who sent a header over the net.
The Golden Knights held the Tigers (6-4-2, 2-0-1) without a shot on goal until the 42nd minute. Senior Shoko Mikami’s first attempt was saved by UCF junior goalkeeper Jennifer Manis (Pensacola, Fla./Washington HS), but Mikami collected her own rebound and found the back of the net.
After outshooting Memphis by a 7-5 margin the first half, the Golden Knights dominated the second half with a 6-2 advantage in shots. They also held an overall margin of 6-3 in corner kicks.
With the time in regulation waning, Memphis junior Halley Jo Sullivan struck a direct kick toward the goal where a misdirected header by a UCF defender sent the ball into the net.
Tiger goalkeeper Isabel Briones made three saves for the win, while Manis had one.
Next up, the Golden Knights play host to UAB on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. Fans who attend the game are reminded to park on the fourth and fifth levels of the East Parking Garage (at the South end of field) due to an event in the arena.
Admission to UCF home women’s soccer matches during the 2006 season is free courtesy of McDonald’s. For the latest news and information on the Golden Knights, tickets or apparel log on to www.ucfathletics.com – the official site for UCF athletics.