ORLANDO, Fla.- The UNC Greensboro (UNCG) men's soccer team held off the University of Central Florida (UCF), 2-1, on Sunday at UCF Soccer Complex. Arnaud Tattevin and Enzo Dovlo scored one goal apiece to improve the Spartans to 3-0-1 on the season.
How it Happened:
The beginning of the first half saw both squads feeling each other out as no team took a shot until the 21st minute. However, after a crucial save by goalkeeper Seth Wilson, the UNCG counterattack struck fast with Dovlo racing down the sideline and found a pass to Tattevin who buried a shot past the UCF keeper to put the Spartans up 1-0. The Knights only mustered one shot on goal for the remainder of the half as the UNCG defense took the score into the break, 1-0.
Coming out of the half, UNCG continued to add to the pressure as a foul outside the box by UCF set up Dovlo with a free kick in the 49th minute. The red-hot striker bent a shot in the upper-left corner that put UNCG up 2-0. The Knights did not go away however, rattling off eight shots in the second half. UCF's efforts were rewarded with a penalty kick in the 87th minute which they converted to put the score at 2-1. However, UCF were unable to equalize as the UNCG defense held on to secure the 2-1 victory.
"Great team win tonight! UCF is a very good team and winning games on the road is never easy so I'm proud of our performance." said Head coach Chris Rich "We scored 2 great goals and defended our box very well. When you play good teams like UCF, you need to defend well and work really hard together, and I believe we did just that. Overall happy with our performances down here in Florida and excited to head back to Greensboro with the win!"
By the numbers:
Records:
UNCG: 3-0-1, (0-0-0 SoCon)
UCF : 1-3-0, (0-0-0 Big 12)
Up Next:
The UNCG men's soccer team will return home Saturday with a potential Top 25 matchup, in Dayton, who is currently ranked No. 25. Kick-off is slated for 7:00 p.m. at UNCG Soccer Stadium. As a part of Rawkin' Welcome Week Event, the game will be a Fusion Night (FREE popcorn refill for kids that wear jersey) and a food truck will be in Attendance.