Brown, Knights Open Year with Win at FAU

by Doug Richards

August 24, 2012

BOCA RATON, Fla. – Behind a pair of goals from Deshorn Brown, the UCF men’s soccer team opened the campaign in fine fashion Friday, posting a 2-1 victory over Florida Atlantic at FAU Soccer Stadium. Brown notched the game-winner in the 59^th minute.

The Knights, who are ranked 26^th nationally, won their third-straight season opener. UCF finished with a 13-8 shot advantage, and had seven shots on goal.

The game-winning tally from Brown, a junior transfer from the University of Mobile who was making his UCF regular season debut, was a bullet to the top left that beat FAU (0-1) goalkeeper Jeremy Crumpton. Brown’s first goal, and the Knights’ first score of the season, came in the 51^st minute when the forward took a cross from Omar Vallejo in the box and beat Crumpton in the lower left corner.

The Owls tied the contest seven minutes later when Roberto Rivera scored. UCF answered right back as Brown gave the Knights the lead less than two minutes later.

“Our players were ready to go from the start and we really controlled the entire game,” UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham said. “That is hard to do on the road. I am proud of our attitude. After their goal, we battled right back. That is a credit to our senior leadership and the mentality of the team. It is great to start the season with a good road win.”

UCF’s Sebastian Evers recorded three saves in the victory. The contest featured a 30-minute delay in the first half due to lightning.

UCF will make its 2012 home debut Sept. 1 when it hosts No. 13 Old Dominion. The contest at the UCF Soccer Complex will begin at 7 p.m.