UCF defeats in-state rival in season opener

The UCF women’s soccer team kicked off the 2012 campaign by dominating USF in the season opener Friday. The Knights coasted past the Bulls with a 3-1 victory in their first away game of the season.

“We knew it was important to start the season off well because we have a lot of tough games on the schedule, and this gives us a lot of confidence going forward,” head coach Amanda Cromwell said in a release.

The Knights didn’t waste any time getting on the board. After being taken down inside the box, forward Jennifer Martin took the opportunity and gave the Knights the 1-0 lead with a penalty kick in the 26th minute.

Scoring became easier in the second half for the Knights as sophomore Kayla Darden assisted freshman Taylor Townsend for UCF’s second goal in the 58th minute.

USF tried to get back in the game by cutting UCF’s lead in half in the 75th minute, but the 2-1 score only lasted seven minutes as an unassisted Ashley Nicol gave the Knights a two-goal lead in the 82nd minute.

“That was a huge goal,” Cromwell said. “She bends a nice ball. She was able to put it over the wall; she curved it up and over and got it down near the post. It’s the type of goal you would see on a highlight reel.”

UCF will gear up for its first home game of the year as Florida State is scheduled to visit Friday at 7 p.m.

The matchup will showcase two ranked teams, according to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, as the No. 12 Knights will try and top the fourth-ranked Seminoles. 

“This year is going to be one of those years that anyone can beat anybody,” Cromwell said.