UCF started its two-game road trip on Monday night with its first win of the season, beating Jacksonville 4-0. It was the team’s first victory under new coach Scott Calabrese.
Senior Matias Pyysalo led the way for the Knights, tallying a hat trick. Last year’s conference offensive player of the year scored in the 30th, 54th and 67th minutes. The hat trick was the first of his career and the first for UCF since 2012.
Freshman Yoni Sorokin gave UCF an early 1-0 lead with a goal in the 20th minute. He also assisted on Pyysalo’s first goal of the game.
The Dolphins (0-4-0) failed to register a shot in the first half, while the Knights totaled 10 (six on goal). That shot advantage reached 24-7 by the end of the night. Freshman goalkeeper Yannik Oettl finished the night with four saves.
Following a 2-0 exhibition record, the Knights failed to score in the first two games of the season. They broke things open on Monday, which is a good sign as conference play approaches in just a couple of weeks.
UCF wraps up its short road trip Saturday night at No. 19 West Virginia (3-0-1).
