FGCU M. Soc vs UCF Recap

The FGCU men's soccer team (7-4-1) suffered a 5-1 loss, going up against #19 UCF (9-2-2) Tuesday evening at the UCF Soccer Complex.

With the loss, the Eagles are now 3-2-2 against the Knihts

"We squandered a massive opportunity to make a national statement as a program," said head coach Jesse Cormier. "UCF was the more clinical team in and around the box and they took their chances and capitalized off our numerous mistakes. We are humbled but we'll regroup, be highly analytical and look to make the necessary corrections in our training and preparation as we look to improve our overall performance before we finish this season."   

The Eagles fell behind 25 seconds into the match after Cal Jennings – entered tonight's game with the second-most goals in the country – netted his 15th tally of the year getting through the Eagles' backline and finishing around redshirt sophomore keeper Gustavo Vasconcelos.

FGCU recorded two shots on goal in the first period as freshman O'Vonte Mullings would be denied on each strike from inside the penalty box. In the 26th minute, Jennings scored the Knight's second goal as UCF headed into the locker room with a 2-0 advantage.

During the first 45 minutes, FGCU produced six shots and held a 4-1 advantage in corners.

UCF extended its margin to 4-0 within the first 15 minutes of the second period. Louis Perez scored in the 51st with a strike from 20-yards out while Jennings collected his hat trick, finishing on an errant clearance from the Eagles.

Junior Joao Burti got rid of the shutout in the 84th minute with his third goal of the season off a cross of fellow junior Jahan Rajaee inside the five-yard box. UCF's Yoni Sorokin would counter four minutes later to give the Knights the final score of 5-1.

FGCU matched its shot production in the first half with six, finishing with 12 as five came on target. The Eagles registered five more corners in the second half for a total of nine compared to UCF's two.

It's the first time in over two years FGCU has conceded five goals to an opponent. The last time it happened was in a 6-5 win over Rutgers in September of 2016.

Up Next:
FGCU will look to put this loss behind them quickly with its next match coming on the road this Saturday against Omaha at 2 p.m. (1 p.m. CST).