GAME DAY INFORMATION
|
DATE: August, 27, 2023
TIME: 8:00 PM |
LOCATION: UCF Soccer & Track Complex
Orlando, Florida
|
|
GAME DAY LINK
|
LIVE STATS
LIVE VIDEO
|
|
|
|
THE LEAD
The Stetson University Men's Soccer team will play their first road game of the new season but won't have to travel far as they take a trip down the I-4 to the University of Central Florida. Start time for the game is set for 8:00 PM on Sunday, Aug. 27, at the UCF Soccer & Track Complex.
INSIDE THE SERIES
These two programs have met 12 times prior, but this will be the first time they play since UCF made the transition to a Power Five conference, leaving the American Conference in favor of the Big 12. History has favored the Knights as the Hatters trail in the series, 2-8-2. The Knights have the edge when playing host, as they hold a 1-6-1 record from the comfort of the home. last time the Hatters triumphed over the Knights was back on Oct. 18, 2016 when Finn Busmann provided the game winning goal in overtime to defeat UCF, 2-1. The series dates back to 2006 when UCF took the inaugural game in a tightly contested 1-0 loss.
SCOUTING THE HATTERS (0-0-1, 0-0 ASUN)
After concluding the previous season with a 6-3-7 record, the Hatters entered the match with high hopes. Despite facing an early two-goal deficit, the team showcased their resilience in the second half, producing an impressive comeback to secure a 2-2 draw. The momentum shift was ignited by defender Jayden Gonsalves, who found the back of the net in the 51st minute after an assist from Afonso Conde, kick starting Stetson's offensive efforts. The tying goal was expertly executed by junior forward Andres Freire in the 67th minute, capitalizing on an assist from Andres Mata.
Throughout the match, Stetson maintained an aggressive offensive approach, outshooting the College of Charleston 16-7, with a notable 13 shots in the second half alone. The Hatters also demonstrated their control over set pieces, leading in corner kicks with a 10-4 advantage.
SCOUTING THE KNIGHTS (1-0-0, 0-0 SUN BELT)
Transitioning to a new chapter, the UCF Knights soccer team enters the Sun Belt Conference, seeking to rebound from a challenging prior season. Their 6-7 record in their final American Conference outing displayed both their resilience and areas for growth, with a balanced performance of 3-3 at home and 3-4 on the road. The conference play proved demanding, resulting in a 3-6 record.
Noteworthy departures include Gino Vivi, a playmaker who led the team with 5 assists in 10 games, and Mauricio Villalobos, who equally contributed with 5 assists. However, the Knights' lineup boasts the return of senior forward Lucca Dourado, a pivotal force who fired 11 goals—ranking second in the conference—culminating in a conference-fifth spot for points. The team's defensive line is fortified by the presence of sophomore goalkeeper Juanvi Muñoz, who impressively notched 48 saves, boasting a .716 save percentage and securing 2 shutouts.
The pre-season accolades received by Lucca Dourado and senior defender Anderson Rosa, earning spots on the Preseason All-Conference team, signal a promising journey ahead for the UCF Knights as they make their mark in the Sun Belt Conference. The team itself received recognition for their past and in expectation of their future as the Knights were ranked 4th in the 2023 Sun Belt Preseason Coaches Poll.
The Knights roared into the new season with a triumph against the formidable #9/#4 Clemson Tigers, showcasing their potential with a 2-1 victory on the road. Despite conceding an early goal, the Knights rallied with Saku Heiskanen equalizing before halftime, paving the way for a thrilling second-half comeback. The pivotal 68th-minute goal by Emmanuel Bam, supported by assists from Heiskanen and Yanis Balatrache.
NEXT UP
The Hatters will return to DeLand for the start of a two-game homestand where they will host the University of St. Thomas at the ATC on Friday, Sept. 1 at 7:00 PM.
