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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF head coach Bryan Cunningham has talked about the youth of his team all season and Saturday night a pair of freshman stepped up in a 1-0 victory over Memphis. Goalkeeper Brendan Rennie made five saves to earn his first shutout, while striker Gorka Aperribay headed in the game-winner in the 65th minute at the UCF Soccer Complex.

"We challenged the team at halftime to get more corner kicks and shots and make the most of our possessions," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We were all over them and I thought we were going to score one or two more goals in the end. I was pleased with our play and getting a shutout is massive for our confidence moving towards the end of the regular season."

The Knights (6-8-1, 2-4-1 The American) have played most of the season with 10 players that are either newcomers (7) or in their second year with the program. Sophomore Andreas Steineger, who is in his first-year as a Knight, made his first-career start vs. Memphis (3-8-4, 1-3-3 The American).

HEADING IT HOME
- In the 65th minute, sophomore midfielder Matias Pyysalo hit a corner from the right across the goal that Aperribay directed with his head past the keeper.
- It was the Winter Springs, Fla., native's second goal of the season.
- The marker came on the Knights' third corner of the match.

"Gorka played very well in the second half," Cunningham said. "We got him up top, which is where he is more comfortable. He kept our possession, was dangerous moving the ball and had a couple of shots before the goal, which was tremendous."

REMARKABLE RENNIE
- Rennie kept the match scoreless during the first half, while making four saves and facing eight shot attempts.
- The Wayzata, Minn., native moved to 2-3-0 on the campaign and has started the past four matches.
- His best save came with three minutes left on a free kick struck by Raul Gonzalez from 21-yards out.

"Communication is the biggest part to our defensive success," Rennie said. "My first job is to prevent goals, then my second job is to save the goals. My best game is when I don't have to save a lot of shots. Our communications today was really good."

SECOND HALF SUCCESS
- The Knights out-shot Memphis 8-3 in the second half and controlled the pace of play.
- UCF registered its second shutout of the season with the first coming in the season opener vs. FAU.

"In the second half, we all got together and coach reminded us that this is the last couple of games for our seniors," Aperribay said. "And we are fortunate to be playing this game. We all stepped up and took advantage of our opportunities."

NEXT UP
- The Knights conclude the regular season on Oct. 31 against Cincinnati at 7 p.m.
- Seniors Mason Miller and Hadji Barry will be recognized prior to the match.
- UCF is one point out of earning a top four seed and hosting a quarterfinal matchup in The American Championship on Nov. 7.

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