UCF Athletics Social Media Directory

By Nate Blythe
UCFKnights.com

Related Content:
+ Stats
+ Box Score

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (UCFKnights.com) - After UCF raced out to a 2-0 lead on goals by junior Hadji Barry and Romario Williams, Memphis answered with two of its own in the final 15 minutes to send the match to overtime on Saturday night before Fakhry Khulfan scored a the game-winner, his second goal, in the 99th minute.

UCF (1-6-4, 0-1-3) fell for the first time in The American after recording draws in its first three league matches. Memphis (6-4-2, 1-4-1) won the rematch at Mike Rose Stadium in extra time after the two teams registered a 1-1 draw on Sept. 27 in Orlando.

"We came out in the first half and were the aggressors," head coach Bryan Cunningham. "We created a couple of chances and went into halftime with a 2-0 lead. In the second half, I give all the credit to Memphis because it totally out-worked us and wanted it more. Our players have to learn how to play for 90 minutes. In the overtime period, we gave up a bad chance and Memphis put it away to win the game."

Barry delivered his first goal as a Knight to put the guests on top 1-0 in the 21st-minute. The Rochester, N.Y., native found the left side of the net on a shot from the right corner.

In the 36th minute, a fantastic individual effort was recorded by Williams to build a two-goal lead for the first time this season. The American Preseason Player of the Year moved from left to right across the goal and fired a shot that went into the upper corner.

The Tigers pressured during the second half and were given life when Hunter Danna received a pass from Hector Cantele five yards out and slide the ball past the keeper in the 75th minute. Khulfan notched the equalizer with under seven-minutes remaining on a shot from the middle of the box.

With Memphis controlling play during the first overtime period, Raul Gonzalez sent a cross from the right wing towards the far post that was directed into the net by Kuhlfan. The golden goal in the 99th minute provided the Tigers with their first league win of the year.

Sophomore goalkeeper Zach Biggs faced 20 shots of which only seven were on net and made four saves. A pair of stops were made by the Memphis keeper Cody Uzcategui.

Nine shots were recorded by the Knights with Williams accounting for three of them. Sophomore Giovanni DiMauro, who had two shots and one on goal, received his first-career start against the Tigers.

The Knights conclude their three-match road trip on Wednesday with a stop at in-state foe FIU at 7:30 p.m.

UCF presented by Napleton's Volkswagen returns home on Oct. 18 with a 7 p.m. match against UConn. For more information on how to purchase tickets click here or call 407-UCF-1000.