Sept. 10, 2009

Box Score

Box Score in PDF Format

ORLANDO, Fla. - Fourth-ranked Florida State (5-1-0) dropped its first game of the season falling to UCF (4-1-1) 1-0 in double overtime. The Knights Courtney Whidden notched the golden goal with just over five minutes left in the second overtime to lead UCF to victory.

The loss was the first on the road for the Seminoles since 2007 snapping a 12-game road unbeaten streak. It also marked the first loss to UCF since dropping a 3-2 contest in Tallahassee back in 2004.

In the second overtime, the Seminoles were called for a foul near the end line deep in the Knight's offensive third. On the kick, Becca Thomas bent a cross into the box where Whidden redirected a shot inside the far post for the game-winner.

Florida State finished the game with a slight advantage in shots at 18-17, while UCF held a 10-7 advantage in corner kicks. Redshirt sophomore Erin McNulty registered a season-high five saves in net for the Seminoles on Thursday night.

"Credit to UCF," said head coach Mark Krikorian. "They came in, had a great game plan and were very organized. They were disciplined in their defending and limited our chances. I would say it was a fair result for the game. I was disappointed that we didn't do the things we needed to do to win the game but realistic enough to know that if you don't play your best that you're not going to win."

The first scoring opportunity came from UCF in the ninth minute as Emily Maynard forced FSU keeper Erin McNulty into a diving save. Less than four minutes later, McNulty came through with another great save this time robbing Christina Petrucco on a header from point blank range off a corner.

Following a UCF foul inside the Seminole offensive third, Becky Edwards fired a free kick on goal from 20 yards out but the shot was cradled by Knight keeper Aline Reis, who finished the game with nine saves.

Both teams went into the locker room tied at 0-0. UCF outshot FSU 8-6, while holding a 4-3 corner kick advantage. McNulty finished the first half recording a season-high four saves.

Toni Pressley unloaded on the first shot of the second half blasting a shot from 35 yards out that went high over the crossbar.

Pressley once again provided the offensive pressure in the early portion of the second half making a long run down the left side of the pitch. Nearing the end line, Pressley sent a beautiful cross into the box where McCarty redirected the shot on goal but Reis was there for the save.

The Knights had a great look on goal in the 58th minute as Becca Thomas ripped a low liner to the far post from just inside the box. McNulty made a diving save to keep the game knotted at zero.

Switzer put a shot on goal in the 72nd minute off a throw-in by Jessica Price but Reis was there once again for the save.

Edwards came within inches of breaking the scoreless tie as her header off a Price throw-in went just high over the crossbar in the 78th minute.

A minute and 45 seconds later the Knights threatened but a shot from 14 yards out off the foot of Katie Jackson went wide.

After a series of great passing combinations from Tiffany McCarty and Amanda DaCosta, the ball found its way back to the top of the box where Lauren Switzer fired a shot on goal. As was the case all evening long, Reis came up with a diving save.

FSU outshot UCF 8-5 in the second half, while both schools registered three corner kicks.

"There was a reasonably strong wind that helped them in the first half and to be quite honest helped us in the second half," said Krikorian. "Overall the conditions had nothing to do with the outcome of the game. I thought we played much better in the second half, moving the ball better and much, much quicker."

Two minutes and 49 seconds into the second overtime, Tori Huster fired a shot wide of the right post from 20 yards. Both teams finished the overtime sessions with four shots a piece.

"We need to go back and work on a few things on both sides of the ball," added Krikorian. "We will get back to work on Friday and focus our attention on UAB."

Florida State returns home to face UAB, ranked 24th nationally, on Sunday, September 13 at 6:00 p.m. The match will air live over the web on Seminoles All-Access, while live stats will be available via gametracker. Fans can also follow Seminole Soccer action all season long via Twitter and Facebook on Seminoles.com.