BOX SCORE
ORLANDO, Fla. ? After a scoreless stalemate in regulation, the No. 12/9 Bulls defeated UCF just two minutes into overtime on a Kevon Neaves goal to secure a 1-0 victory Tuesday night. Neaves, a senior, headed in a ball from the left corner of the 18 yard box after a cross by fellow senior Jordan Seabrook.
“It was a good effort by the team,” said Neaves. “It was a hard fought game. Jordan layed in a great ball and it was a better finish.”
In the first half, Neaves fired a shot on goal but UCF goalkeeper Sean Johnson made a diving save to keep the game scoreless. In the 37th minute, Seabrook also attempted a shot that was also saved by Johnson.
After coming out of the locker room in the second half, the Bulls controlled the majority of play, putting the pressure on the UCF keeper by taking four shots.
“It was a great goal in overtime,” said USF head coach George Kiefer. “I thought the first half we were a little loose. In the second half, we kept it on their half and we could feel a goal coming. I was happy that they were patient. I give UCF a lot of credit. Bryan (Cunningham) has done a great job at UCF. To get this win on the road is good for us.”
Sophomore goalkeeper Jeff Attinella recorded three saves in the game to up his total to 31 on the year and improve his record to 7-1-1 with six shutouts.
The Bulls improved their record to 8-2-2 after the non-conference victory.
The Bulls will continue their road trip on the road at No. 4/5 St. John's in a battle for sole possession of first place in the BIG EAST Red Division. The game will take place Saturday, Oct. 18, at 7:30 p.m. in Queens, N.Y.