The University of Arizona soccer team (6-4, 1-1 in Big 12) secured its first 1-0 conference win against the University of Central Florida on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. Arizona advanced to No.10 in Big 12 standings after the matchup.
The only goal of the match was the result of a penalty kick from Aurora Gaines who found the net for her fourth time this season.
First half
UCF came out strong in early minutes with high pressure in its final third. Arizona’s defensive line worked the ball out with a key slide tackle from Maia Brown. The Knights’ pressure didn’t die down as Arizona attempted to gain possession and move the ball up the field.
Just 5 minutes in, Arizona earned a free kick outside of the box which ricocheted off of a Knights player and resulted in a corner for the Wildcats. This would be their first of six corners for the match.
The ball was cleared and Arizona worked to keep the ball in that half of the field.
UCF earned several offensive opportunities with a cross into the middle almost ending in a goal but went out of bounds as it passed the receiving player.
The Knights were seen fouling several Wildcats, resulting in free kicks for Arizona. However, these were proven tough as the wind on the field was going against any balls in the air for the Wildcats.
Both teams surged through counterattacks in an attempt to find the first goal of the game.
In the 43rd minute of play, Gaines was tripped inside the box. She earned a penalty, launching it into the bottom left corner of the net, securing a first half lead.
This closed out the first half, Arizona ahead 1-0.
Second half
The Knights came out heavy on energy and desperate for a goal to even it up as the second whistle blew. Wildcat defense remained solid with Olivia Ramey having a few minor deflections in the goal.
Arizona’s Ella Hatteberg was a key player in these dangerous moments, providing a solid defensive wall as well as opportunities in the offensive third.
As play worked its way through the half, UCF continued to build up its offense down the flanks. Arizona responded each time with a clearance, feeding the ball back into the feet of Knight defenders. UCF repeated this process, hoping for a play to find the net.
In a breakaway down the field, Narissa Fults got a shot on goal as a close opportunity to advance the Wildcats’ lead. The Knights’ keeper deflected it and landed Arizona a corner which ultimately turned into a UCF possession.
The entirety of the game was physical as various fouls resulted in free kicks on the field. None of them ended in successful possession for either team and the ball continued to bounce between the teams feet.
Jessica Bedolla came off of the bench for Arizona, making several dangerous attempts at goal with a set of fresh legs.
As the clock continued, the rain started to downpour on the field. UCF was determined to get their chance on goal but wasn’t finding answers. Arizona tried to run the clock in the last few minutes to keep the Knights from earning any late minute chances.
The Wildcats saw several substitutions and got non-starters onto the pitch. This brought a different kind of energy to help withstand the constant pressure from the Knights.
Despite UCF’s persistent efforts, they ultimately could not come back from the Wildcats’ penalty goal. Arizona walked off the field with their first conference win, 1-0.
Looking ahead
Arizona will remain home for their next matchup against Oklahoma State University on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 11 a.m. at Murphey Field. OSU is currently standing in last in the Big 12 conference.
Custom teaser: The University of Arizona soccer team (6-4, 1-1 in Big 12) snatched a 1-0 win over the University of Central Florida on Thursday, Sept. 25, at Murphey Field at Mulcahy Soccer Stadium. This marks the Wildcats’ first conference victory of the season.
