Offensive attack leads to perfect start

The Knights and sophomore McKauly Tulloch improved streaks with a 3-1 win over Belmont University (1-2) Sunday night.

UCF (3-0) got its third straight win, and Tulloch scored for his third straight game when he kicked two goals.

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The Knights had enough firepower to oust the Bruins with the two goals from Tulloch and a goal from junior Ben Hunt. Junior goalkeeper Shawn Doyle recorded five saves as he faced 14 shots in the game.

Coach Bryan Cunningham was pleased with his team's progression.

"We're clicking. We only had two preseason matches, and the players are just starting to find their rhythm," Cunningham said. "We're playing better and better every game and that's what you want to see as a coach. They're improving and correcting mistakes. We created a lot of chances and we finished a few tonight, but we still have some work to do."

The game on Sunday came just two nights after a 2-0 home game win over UMass (0-3). Although two nights is the quickest turnaround of the season, Cunningham did not think fatigue was wearing on his players.

"We recovered very well," Cunningham said. "We're a very fit team. We didn't use a lot of players tonight, but the guys that did come on, helped us, and obviously the starting 11 were very special tonight."

Tulloch increased his season total to five goals with his two-goal game. He also recorded an assist and eight shots against Belmont, four of which were on goal.

The loudest of Tulloch's admirers could be heard from the top of the stands, where his father and mother from Jamaica, among other family members, were watching him play.

Defensively, Cunningham was pleased with Doyle's performance and the play of the back four.

"He did very well. Defensively he was very good," Cunningham said. "Most of his saves were right into him, but he held everything. His distribution was great, and the back four actually did a pretty good job against a talented Belmont team."

UCF finishes its three-game homestand Wednesday night when the team plays the University of North Florida at 7 p.m.