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By Nate Blythe
UCFKnights.com

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ORLANDO, Fla. (UCFKnights.com) - UCF dropped its second match in a row by a 1-0 score to rival USF on Wednesday night at the UCF Soccer Complex.

The Knights fell to 1-9-4 and 0-3-3 in The American after playing in their 13th one-goal game of the campaign.

"South Florida is a great team that is having great season," head coach Bryan Cunningham said. "I thought it was an entertaining game because both teams had time to make plays. It wasn't an overly physical game and the team's kind of respected each others space. Both teams passed the ball well and created chances."

USF (9-4-1, 4-1-1 The American) notched the only goal in the 36th minute on a header by Eduardo Maceira. A cross on a corner kick taken by Lucas Baldin set up the marker.

The Knights' best opportunity of the first half came in the sixth minute as a corner taken by freshman Walker Dawkins that was received by senior Anton Sealey, but his shot that skimmed across the grass hit the leg of the goalkeeper and bounced wide.

Just before the halftime, Moalosi had another chance from in close to extend the Bulls' lead further, but an outstretched sophomore Zach Biggs made the stop. The Weston, Fla., native made six saves during the contest.

"After challenging Zach after the UConn game, he came out tonight and made some great saves," Cunningham said. "He was a bit unfortunate on the goal they scored. Other than that, he led us back there. He did everything that we kind of talked about and addressed yesterday at practice and video sessions."

In the 65th minute, junior Romario Williams, who led the match with five shots, stole the ball away from a USF defender and found some open space on the left wing, but his shot went just wide of the far post.

The Knights pressured on the offensive end with seven shots in the second half, but USF was strong on the counter and had numerous opportunities to put the game away. None better than when Marcus Epps beat Biggs at the top of the 18 and sophomore Matt Laux made a save as the last man back in the 84th minute.

Spasoje Stefanovic from USF made three saves in earning his fourth shutout of the season.

The Knights hit the road for two matches, beginning on Saturday at Cincinnati with a 7 p.m. start.

UCF presented by Napleton's Volkswagen welcomes in-state foe Florida Gulf Coast on Nov. 4 at 7 p.m. in the home finale. For more information on how to purchase tickets click here or call 407-UCF-1000.