Win streak comes to an end against FGCU

It's been a while since the No. 8 men's soccer team has lost a game — November 20, 2010, after Michigan ended the Knights' season in the second round of the NCAA Tournament, to be exact.

The Knights' seven-match unbeaten streak ended Saturday after falling to FGCU 2-1 at home.

"You don't want it to [end]," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "It's unfortunate. [Give] credit to Florida Gulf Coast – they outplayed us. We had plenty of chances today that went begging. They had two great chances and they finished them. There is the result to winning."

A weather delay caused the match to be postponed from Friday night to Saturday afternoon, but Cunningham said that didn't play a part in the loss.

"Both teams were in the same situation," Cunningham said. "At the end of the day, we were at home and should have been able to make the adjustment."

The Knights had plenty of chances against FGCU, attempting 17 total shots. Adam Glick, FGCU's goalkeeper, played a fantastic game, however, recording three saves and only letting a Ben Hunt-equalizing goal through in the 34th minute. Andres Navas of FGCU quickly took back the lead 14 minutes later.

"Their goalkeeper, give him a lot of credit," Cunningham said. "He won player of the year, and he kept three shots out of the net, so that's the difference."

UCF was also without its star player and the nation's leading scorer, McKauly (Jimmy) Tulluch, who received a red card against George Mason last week. The Knights will have Tulluch back just in time for their Conference USA opener against Kentucky on Wednesday.

"It's not often that we get outworked and outplayed at home … but it's just one loss," Cunningham said. "There was some good moments but in the end, our defending has to get better and be prepared for Kentucky to come down here and give us their best shot, as well."