UCF drops tough match

The No. 25-ranked women's soccer team suffered a disappointing 2-0 loss to rival No. 11 Florida Gators in their regular-season opener at the UCF Soccer Complex, Sunday.

A record crowd of 2,141 packed into the stands to watch two of the nation's top programs battle for in-state bragging rights.

The Knights' (0-1-0) physical, defensive style foiled the Gators' (2-0-0) potent offensive attack in the first half, highlighted by a great diving save from junior goalkeeper Aline Reis. The All-American did all she could to keep the Knights in the game early and finished with four saves.

The second half couldn't have started worse for the Knights with junior Tahnai Annis scoring both Florida goals in a 4-minute span that broke the game open.

"The second half was disappointing, we came out flat," said head coach Amada Cromwell. "At the end there we ended up getting some decent chances but it was kind of like too little, too late."

A defensive turnover by UCF landed the ball right in front of their own net and Annis wasted no time slamming home the first goal of the game in the 48th minute.

"What concerns me is that the first goal was a mistake, a misheader right to the girl," said Cromwell. "We kind of gave them the first goal, and you can't give a team like Florida a goal."

Annis wasn't done. Just four minutes later the scrappy forward beat the UCF defense to a through ball in the box and used a magnificent sliding kick to put the Knights in a hole they couldn't climb out of.

"We beat ourselves in a lot of ways because we didn't communicate and players were unaccounted for," said Junior midfielder Katie Jackson, who finished with three shots. "Specifically at the beginning and end of each half."

UCF did have some chances to score early but failed to capitalize on their opportunities that could have swung the early momentum of the game in their favor.

Sophomore Tishia Jewell had a good look from the right side in the 18th minute that sailed just wide and into the side of the net, and another chance from close range in the final seconds of the first half that was stopped by UF goalkeeper Katie Fraine.

Every scoring chance brought the record crowd to their feet, and even though they couldn't help the Knights get the win, they shattered the previous attendance mark of 1,142 set last season in a victory over Florida State.

"The crowd was amazing, I couldn't believe how big it was," said Senior forward Kim Newsome. "It was great to have them all out here supporting, whether they were rooting for us or Florida, it was just nice to see them all here."

Next up for the Knights is another NCAA tournament team from last year in San Diego State, who comes to town for a game Friday night.

"I was glad we started the season with Florida, that would expose some things that we need to work on," said Cromwell. "There are some bright spots for sure, but I'm going to be breaking down a lot video."