Team pummels in-state opponent on road

The UCF men’s soccer team defeated host North Florida (3-6) 4-0 Saturday night in the Knights’ final game before heading into conference play.

UCF (3-3-2) got off to a quick start, as Deshorn Brown notched his team-leading seventh goal of the season, just seven minutes into the game.

“I’m just proud of our players to be able to bounce back from a tough loss the other night against Charlotte. They came out tonight and showed a lot of character to get a nice win on the road,” UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham said in a release. “We had a number of guys who found the back of the net, which is good, and, more importantly, we earned our first shutout of the season, and hopefully that’s a good step in the right direction.

“Now, all of our attention is on the start of conference play against FIU on Wednesday night.”

The Knights were able to coast into halftime with a 2-0 lead as McKauly Tulloch scored his fourth goal of the season — his first since being removed from the regular starting lineup. 

Romario Williams also added to the scoring for UCF. Williams’ goal in the 53rd minute was his first as a Knight.

Sebastian Evers recorded three saves and a shutout for UCF. Saturday was the first time in 2012 the Knights have held their opponents scoreless.

UCF will return home Wednesday night as it welcomes conference rival FIU to Orlando. 

The Knights and Panthers have played each of the past four seasons, with UCF holding a slight 2-1-1 advantage. The game marks the opening of Conference USA play for UCF.