UCF Earns Draw at Tulsa, 1-1 2OT

November 1, 2014
TULSA, Okla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF freshman Walker Dawkins' strike from 30 yards out in the 71st minute that hit the underside of the cross bar and went in provided the Knights with the equalizer on Saturday night in a 1-1 2OT draw at Tulsa.

Junior Romario Williams came inches away from ending the contest with 10 second left in the second overtime period, but his shot hit the right corner where the goalpost meets the crossbar at Hurricane Stadium.

The Knights (2-9-5, 1-3-4 The American) earned the No. 6 seed in The American Championship and travels to No. 3 SMU on Nov. 8 at 8 p.m. ET. Tulsa finished the year second in the conference standings at 9-5-2 overall and 5-2-1 in league play.

"We came out tonight and played really well, possessing the ball, but not really creating many solid chances," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "We were really good on the ball and dangerous, but unfortunately, Tulsa caught us on the break and a player got through on a breakaway goal.

The Golden Hurricane marker came in the 16th minute as Akeil Barrett sent a pass up field to Ray Saari, who went one-on-one with the keeper and sent a shot into the lower left corner.

"In the second half, we were dangerous with our possessions and created a good chance as Walker scored a tremendous goal," Cunningham said. "It really gave us a good spark and from there on we were the better team that had chances. I am proud of the effort from our guys. We have been battling all year. We just keep working hard and that is all that I can ask for from a team."

Tulsa came close to ending the match in the 96th minute of the first overtime as a header by Quinn Starker hit the crossbar and bounced back into the playing field.

Sophomore Zach Biggs made six stops for the Knights, including two saves in the overtime period. The Golden Hurricane held a 17-6 advantage in shots attempted.

Dawkins and Williams paced the Knights with two shots each.

UCF presented by Napleton's Volkswagen welcomes in-state foe Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in the home finale. The Knights will honors seniors Leonardo Ayala, Mason Miller, Anton Sealey and Jake Weiss prior to the match. For more information on how to purchase tickets click here or call 407-UCF-1000.

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