The UCF Women’s Soccer team returned to the field on Wednesday night, taking down in-state foe Miami in exhibition play by a score of 3-0.
The Knights wasted no time early on at the UCF Soccer Complex, finding the back of the net in the fourth minute. Senior Bridget Callahan sent a header past the Hurricanes defense, leaving redshirt senior Kayla Adamek with a breakaway that she converted with ease.
In the 20th minute, UCF added to its lead when senior Julia Moore took advantage of a failed clearing attempt by Miami inside the box. Senior Morgan Ferrara was credited with an assist on the play that led to the 2-0 lead. Ferrara later added a goal of her own in the 74th minute, with junior Emily Tipton picking up the assist.
It was a quiet night for junior Vera Varis, the AAC’s preseason goalkeeper of the year. The Hurricanes finished with eight shots, with just one finding Varis for a save on a shot on goal.
The Knights finished 9-8-2 last year, missing the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2006. Earlier this week, they were picked to finish sixth out of 10 in the conference preseason poll.
Wednesday’s match was the first of two exhibitions for the Knights. They will host the second one on Saturday night, when North Florida visits Orlando. The regular season will get underway on Aug. 18 at South Carolina.