McKauly Tulloch brings experience, goals

Sophomore McKauly Tulloch is known for many things. Some people know him for his theatrics when he misses a close shot, or his speed that helps him leave defenders in the dust or maybe even for his success on the field, scoring eight goals in five games.

But one thing Tulloch brings to the team that not many people know about is experience. Tulloch has been there, and he most certainly has done that.

Tulloch transferred to UCF this year as a sophomore. He played his freshman year at the University of Akron, also known as the 2010 NCAA National Champions.

While he only played 10 games at Akron, Tulloch has used the experience to better himself as a player.

"Winning last year, it's a great feeling," Tulloch said. "I'm much more experienced; I know what it takes right now. I got [to] the highest level and got to perform at the highest level. It was a great experience."

Not only does Tulloch have a NCAA Championship on his résumé, but he also played for the U-18 and U-20 Jamaican national teams. Tulloch was born in Kingston, Jamaica, and does not take this honor lightly.

"To play for the Jamaican national team is a special thing because there is so much talent across the island," Tulloch said. "I got the exposure, and I was seen by a lot of scouts there."

Tulloch has used these experiences to improve himself as a player, which can be seen by his stats so far in the 2011 season. Tulloch has scored at least one goal in every game so far and was named Conference USA offensive player of the week for his efforts against UMass and Belmont.

Tulloch's recent success has not gone unnoticed. Coach Bryan Cunningham said after the game against UMass that he is not surprised by Tulloch's performance.

"He's just playing within our system, he's working hard in practice and he's using the players around him like he did tonight on the second goal," Cunningham said. "He's an extremely coachable kid; he just works tirelessly, and the team around him is giving him the ball in some threatening positions."

As for Tulloch's future plans, he wants to keep doing what he loves.

"Soccer is what I want to play," Tulloch said. "I want to get a degree as well, but soccer is what I feel is going to carry me through life, so that's where I'm heading."

After Tulloch and the Knights rolled past Mercer 5-2 Sunday, UCF will have a five-day break until they travel to face George Mason.